As I have become more aware of the generation of youth that are coming of age, I see such potential. Their exterior shows such anger, frustration, and loss but if one would stop and look a little deeper they would see loyalty, passion, and an eagerness to be seen. With the technology boom at an all time high, there is a greater risk to losing one’s self then ever before. Temptations are handed out like candy and expectations are forced on them from all angles (many times at the opposite extremes in the spectrum). What is interesting to me is that this is not a time when we question those who are struggling in this type of environment, it is the ones who navigate through with no identity crisis that have me worried.
If one can change their temperament, their ideals, and their outward exposure to fit in with the adult world as well as the “underground” world that most youth sneak into, they have figured out a way to shift from one self to another without any breakage. This generation, if given the chance to be seen and heard, will make a difference on our future as a whole. If the passion that often begins with questions somehow finds the only source that will truly satisfy its concerns, an unmistakable power will emerge. The painful part in this equation lies in the ups and downs that happen in this process. As a general rule, the passion is formulated from holes that come from a severed heart. The clumsiness of trying to find their own way and the loneliness that concludes this path creates a false barrier of protection from encountering more loss. But this illusion usually just results in falling deeper into an isolated crowd that also identifies with this confused state of mind. They are looking to belong, to be part of a group, to be understood, even if its bond is a masked sense of self.
If one can change their temperament, their ideals, and their outward exposure to fit in with the adult world as well as the “underground” world that most youth sneak into, they have figured out a way to shift from one self to another without any breakage. This generation, if given the chance to be seen and heard, will make a difference on our future as a whole. If the passion that often begins with questions somehow finds the only source that will truly satisfy its concerns, an unmistakable power will emerge. The painful part in this equation lies in the ups and downs that happen in this process. As a general rule, the passion is formulated from holes that come from a severed heart. The clumsiness of trying to find their own way and the loneliness that concludes this path creates a false barrier of protection from encountering more loss. But this illusion usually just results in falling deeper into an isolated crowd that also identifies with this confused state of mind. They are looking to belong, to be part of a group, to be understood, even if its bond is a masked sense of self.
So what would happen if an adult, a little farther along their path, with some experience, came along their side and was able to penetrate their masquerade? Would accusation be the answer? Fire and brimstone? How about intolerance? Would that change their behavior?
How about a new approach… how about a listening ear, or a compassionate heart? How about grace and unconditional love? There has to be a difference between parental boundaries and “do what I say because I say so” (which is usually contradicted by unconsciously saying “do what I say and not what I do). This is the world I feel compelled to walk into; where my scraped elbows and blood shot bruises will be used. This is hopefully where my clumsiness in the past becomes my avenue to "getting in" so that God's healing will be seen and not heard. Only He has the power to use their (and my) passion to make a difference.
How about a new approach… how about a listening ear, or a compassionate heart? How about grace and unconditional love? There has to be a difference between parental boundaries and “do what I say because I say so” (which is usually contradicted by unconsciously saying “do what I say and not what I do). This is the world I feel compelled to walk into; where my scraped elbows and blood shot bruises will be used. This is hopefully where my clumsiness in the past becomes my avenue to "getting in" so that God's healing will be seen and not heard. Only He has the power to use their (and my) passion to make a difference.
