I am convinced that our greatest legacy is how we shape the legacies of those coming behind us. One generation inspires the greatness, vision, and hope in the one arising. No matter what challenges and problems we face, coming together to shape and mold present and future leaders builds the synergy needed for us all to thrive.
A few weekends ago, Feb. 16-18th, twelve high school students came together and by the time they left, had a vision and goals of how to make their community and our world a better place. Over time, we will share with you their various projects. Two students came all the way from Panama City and discussed their transient beach culture and the influx of college students during the year. Ten students hailed from Tuskegee and part of an organization called The Bridge Builders. All were passionate and concerned about their current context and eager for change and how they might be those change makers.
Here are a few insights I gained from their inputs and visions:
1) Young idealism can be a juggernaut-develop a plan
I remember as a youth looking into the mirror with a steely glint in my eye determined to do something. One year, after a few sermons, I wanted to invite my entire neighborhood to church but not to good at going door to door. Instead, I found a bunch of used manila folders, cut them in half and began writing messages about our church and riding around on my bike posting them on telephone poles. I was utterly shocked when someone new actually came to our church and said they saw the signs! I recall my youth leader encouraging me to keep up the good work and helping think of other ways to share the word.
That same steely glint was in the eyes of some of these youth. It said, “I can, I will”. Now, we along with their parents and other encouragers have an incredible plan to help them make their dreams a reality. Like La Chelsa who wants young girls to know that they can allow their child to be adopted instead of having an abortion. Or how about S’jhia who wants to have a boutique and provide nice and professional shoes to those going to job interviews. Even to get to Auburn to a thrift store is a 30 minute drive and she wants no stumbling blocks for women. Our youth have ideals, lets’ have a plan to help them plan and turn dreams into reality!
2) Never underestimate-look deeper
They were typical teenagers. Their attire was no different. Their passion for music at its height. Expression and belonging still shapes this group, just like it did when we were their age. Youth are still easily dismissed as being egocentric and hedonistic. Just like we were… But we did not have school shootings when I was growing up. And we did not have cyber bullying when I was growing up-the internet did not exist yet. Each generation faces its own complexities with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Youth idealism will always be available and ready for shaping if we are courageous to look deeper. In particular, this generation called Generation Z, are the most poised as being change agents. By far, the most entrepreneurial generation we have seen that are driven by social change and not motivated only by money. And yet, in a post-modern culture, possibly the least exposed to Jesus and Christianity but living some of these principles out more so than those steeped in traditional religion.
Before you dismiss, ask questions about what gets them upset, what excites them, and what makes them angry. What are they talking about around the lunch room and when they are hanging out. We might be surprised at what they are paying attention to.
3) Stay fluid-keep youth around you
Another birthday is quickly approaching. Besides a body that aches a little more and some new occasional creaks, I feel just as young as I did 30 years ago. I believe in part, staying with youth and young adults has kept my spirit and idealism fresh. Like the prayer group I participate in with college age students that gives me a window into the perspectives of those over twice as young as me.
Staying fluid is not necessarily physical anymore. It is like the wineskins Jesus talked about. Tradition has its own beauty marks. It reaches back and etches memories on us that transcend time and space. With one hand it reaches back into history and with another stretches forward into a preferred future. Like the hymns that never grow old because of the deep truths they sing and the historical context of how they were written, traditions become part of our shared collective. Yet, we know it has a danger of becoming an end in itself, diminishing that which it sets to preserve. We endeavor for fresh wine skins! Staying fluid in our perspectives and the changes of our upcoming generations allows us to see beyond and deeper. It helps us stay youthful and fresh. I believe it also keeps us relevant and aids us in maintaining our relevance.
LeadUp helped me as much as I believe we were given an opportunity for a short time to shape and grow others. It is an investment that will have fruit I may never see but can be confident it is there. As you continue your journey, I pray you will reflect upon the seeds you are sowing with our young generation. Maybe you are a parent of teens, a teacher, a youth director, or someone that just cares. You have an incredible opportunity and I guarantee, it will grow something deep, special and fruitful in you as well.
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