A Letter to My Generation

January 12, 2015

photo by Daniel Foster

To the twentysomethings of the world today:

We have grown up on the cusp of so much change. Our childhoods were spent romping around outdoors, barefoot and unencumbered. We weren't glued to iPods or iPads or iPhones and TV was more of a luxury than a daily necessity. The internet was growing up as we did, and it hit full force when we were students, proving to be a useful asset in our education.

We've lived through more than a few different presidents, and our country has dealt with recessions, terrorism, and overwhelming growth. We've seen wars end and then new ones begin, and what once made the headlines of the daily paper now makes for trending hashtags on Twitter. We've seen the boom of globalization and then, in contrast, a shift back toward all things local and small and homegrown. 

Our world today is radically different than the world of our childhood. No surprise there. It can be depressing, stressful, burdensome. The pressure put on us by older generations to be the ones that change things for the better can be a heavy load to bear. It can feel daunting and impossible and overwhelming.

The problems facing our generation and our world today are massive, yes. But I believe we can be a generation that changes things for the better.

I see our generation as one that is well-equipped and well-qualified to make good things happen. I see talent everywhere, complemented by powerful tools and technology and endless information just mere clicks away. I see lists like Forbes' 30 Under 30 and I know that there are probably 30,000 that could have made that list based on what they've accomplished and created.

We remember what the world was like before technology took over, when face time meant people sharing real, physical space together. We can be the ones to bring simplicity and authenticity back into style. We all have unique voices, and it's easier than ever for us to have a platform and a channel for communicating with the entire world. Let's use them to say things that matter, things that fuel change, things that open our eyes and our hearts for the good.

We have access to almost everything-- let's use that power not for harm but for progress. The world is smaller than it's ever been. We can rally around the needy, the voiceless, the hurting and the hungry, and we can bring hope and healing and help.

Let's start grassroots movements, trending topics, cultures of community and collaboration. Let's abolish slavery in all of its many forms, let's end racism, sexism, inequality and prejudice, let's unify despite our diversity.

Let's embrace the idea that our country isn't a melting pot where we all dissolve into a muddy blend of each other, but instead a mosaic, where all of us come together in our varied colors, shapes and styles to create a stunning masterpiece.

Let's rise up-- not in reckless rebellion, but in bold confidence that we can be a driving force for goodness in our society. Let's get back to our roots, learning from the past and using it to craft a better future. Let's build on the foundation of family and faith and freedom. Let's plug in, connect, serve, give. Let's get our hands dirty doing the things that matter. Let's step up into the roles that we've been called to, and let's lead with humility and compassion.

Let's shatter stereotypes. Let's step in to the hurt instead of turning a blind eye to it. Let's learn graciously from our elders and lead the youngsters lovingly.

Let's not lose hope or be discouraged or disheartened. Let's allow our hearts to break over injustice and cruelty and the darkness of our world, but let's cling to the One who has overcome it all, knowing in full faith that we are conquerors with Him.

We're all in this together. Let's do stuff that matters. Let's change the world.