The Disconnect

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Abraham Lincoln

This is going to be a tough read if you’re 17 or 70.

My dad always told me growing up that I had a special quality about me. He told me constantly, “Lain Steven, you can get along with whoever you hang around. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 2 year old in the nursery or a 95 year old in the nursing home.”

He was right. From a young age I have always loved connection. I have loved communication. But here I am 21 years old and I find so much disconnect. That’s what this blog post is born out of.

Generational disconnect is suffocating our communities, churches, and even families. This isn’t a new problem— just a a problem not many seem to address.

This blog post has been at a stand still for about 7 months until I found the missing piece I needed in a podcast. The podcast was a Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. He recently was at the Global Leadership Conference with a keynote speaker named Jason Dorsey. Jason Dorsey is a Generational Guru and Expert.

In this podcast, Jason Dorsey dives deep into generational ties, norms, and differences. Let me first break down the different generations for you.

1900-1924 : The Greatest Generation

1925-1945 : The Silent Generation

1946-1964: Baby Boomers

1965-1979: Generation X

1980-late 90’s: Millennials

late 90’s-Current: iGen or Gen Z

Basically, if you do not have a personal memory from the terrorist 9/11 attacks then you fall into the iGen category.

TRANSLATION:

THE YOUNG PEOPLE WALKING AROUND WITH AIRPODS ARE NOT MILLENNIALS.

In fact, iGen’s are showing signs to be the most responsible generation to come along in quite some time when it comes to finances, technology, creativity and many other categories.

So why do we hear people talk so harshly about the current generation? The same reason the current generation does not speak kindly of the generations to come before them.

Just because it is different, does not mean it is bad.

My least favorite saying is “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Yet, it is one of the most popular sayings in my grandparent’s day and age. Why? They valued their possessions and knew to hope for the longevity of the things they were able to purchase. However, my generation believes that if you aren’t changing then you are staying stagnant; therefore, you are not reaching everything you are capable of. In other words, the older generation valued their items, and the current generation values efficiency.

Here’s where we get into trouble: Thinking one way is better than the other.

In reality, we should appreciate the older generations for what they were, and the generations to go before us should appreciate the current generations for where they are going. Every generation tends to have a sense of pride… assuming they have done things the right way (and only way). Instead, generations should seek to learn from the past generations successes AND shortcomings.

GENERATIONS ARE CATEGORIES, NOT DIVISIONS.

Welcome to the disconnect. This is a result of the older generations giving up on the future generations before they have even begun, and the future generations lack of appreciation for the generations who preceded them.

The disconnect doesn’t just stop at the Thanksgiving table with your family. It’s toxins run deep wreaking havoc on relationships, communities, churches, politics, and more.

Most of you are probably shaking your heads thinking, “So we’re just supposed to sit silent while our world goes up in smoke?” Absolutely not. But first, ask yourself honestly if you are the one creating the smoke. Maybe, it’s a matter of preference rather than a matter of morals. Just because it is different does not mean it is wrong.

So where does this leave me? I respect the generations that came before me, but I am also super excited for my generation and even the generation to follow me. I don’t feel a bit guilty for it either. Here’s a practical example, I have a recored player at my house— thank you 80’s— but I’m sure glad my fiancé doesn’t style her hair like they did in the 80’s! All joking aside, know that there were great things from the past, but there’s always room for improvement.

As a youth pastor I also have to be careful with a post like this. Does this mean I am okay with some of the things my generation stands for? Again, absolutely not. There are things that disgust me about my generation. However, there are also things I am extremely proud of for my generation. For example, my generation is on track to being known as the most generous and volunteering generation. We are passionate about what we believe in and are willing to stand up and speak out (given, some people are choosing to speak out for things I disagree with.) Instead of focusing on ripped jeans and kid’s apparel as they walk into youth, I choose to be more focused on the youth. I don’t care what you are wearing; I am just excited you are here to learn about Jesus. In 2020, I hope I put into practice putting aside my preference and choosing to learn something in the process.

Chances are your generation had some amazing accomplishments.

Chances are your generation had some terrible downfalls.

None of us are immune to mistakes. I hope we realize sooner than later the disconnect resulting from generational entitlement is quite possibly the biggest mistake of all.

On behalf of my generation,

Please don’t give up on us. I have been blessed enough to attend the Passion Conference in Atlanta, Georgia for 4 of the last 5 years. My generation has not lost faith. My generation isn’t killing the church. How do I know that? Because this year, 65,000+ 18-25 year olds (iGen and Millennials) sold out the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the sole purpose of lifting up the name of Jesus and giving all the glory to Him alone. Please do not put all of us in a box. There are some young people who still stand up for what is right. There are still some young people on fire for God. There are still some young people that have a hope for this great country. To the generations that came before us— thank you. To the generations that follow us— we are excited for you.

Whatever generation you are, be a good one.

Until next time,

-LM