The Millennial Dilemma

Can I be transported back to 1950 please?

...or really any time period other than smack dab in the millennial generation. I'm a part of this generation and I have, as Germans call it... Fremdschämen: to feel ashamed about something someone else has done; to be embarrassed because someone else has embarrassed himself (and doesn't notice)
 I'd like to apologize to the other generations on behalf of us Millennials. While there are things that we do right, there's a whole lot that we're doing wrong.
Several times this week in grocery stores, social gatherings, and even church, I encountered several young people who seemed to lack basic politeness and respect. There were those who didn't hold open the door for those coming out behind them. Or those that were so engrossed in their screens that they nearly collided with others. And cutting people off and not smiling a hello when greeted... the list goes on.
Where has the importance of politeness gone? It's vanishing so rapidly in our generation that I am ashamed to call myself a millennial... Politeness, respect, and hard work...
Where has it gone?
I don't know...
I long for the days of gentlemen in suits, ladies in dresses, and respectful young people. I didn't even live in the 50's, but hearing of those days from my mom and stories she tells of her parents, I wish things were the way they used to be.
Perhaps our technology-saturated, like-addicted, follower-crazed world is starting to reek havoc in our communities. A recently-published article stated:

"How does a generation with low self-esteem compensate for their lack of success? (Or confidence or security???) Filters. In the world of technology, one is able to disguise his/her depression or tribulations with Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. People put on a ‘toughie’ facade, hoping to exhibit a sort of ‘I’ve got it all figured out’ message."

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/millennials-workforce

I'm at a loss. Many of my peers I know have no 'outward focus.' We are a selfie generation and it's about time we looked outside of ourselves to those around us who are struggling and in need. There are social gatherings I avoid, many even through church, because as someone who is a little bit different, quiet, and old-fashioned, I feel as though I'm invisible to the pretty millennial group around me. I can only attribute this inward focus to a deep, deep, deep insecurity among millennials. We are so shaken and unsure about just WHO WE ARE that we surround ourselves with friends, no matter how shallow those relationships are, and make it look like our lives are amazing when they're really falling apart. Then we post about our lives on social media where our peers see our accomplishments and compare their lives to those around them.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

 The only way that we can move forward is to have a REAL grasp and understanding of WHOSE WE ARE and what that means. It means we think less of ourselves and more of those around us. 

Shuffle to the bottom.

Find those that are alone and make them feel seen. Jesus called the unqualified. He didn't pick the 'pretty people' of Israel which, if it would have been anyone in ancient times, it would have been the Pharisees - those who made their lives by being perfect and blameless - their job was to keep the Law. Live perfect lives. Sound familiar? Jesus called some fisherman... a tax-collector... a doctor... a woman who was demon-possessed... ordinary men and women.

He surrounded Himself with those that were social outcasts. 

Can we say the same about Millennials?
No matter our generation, if we want to love well, start with the people who we normally don't hang out with...
Take a look at this video - this needs to be in every school and church - especially in middle school, high school, and yes, even college-age.





John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."