Lenten Writing Prompt #9
Pop culture has coined many generational terms - Baby Boomers, The Greatest Generation, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Gen X, Gen Y, Millennials, Is there a perspective about your faith that you feel is unique to your generation? What is it?
I was called a "Hippie Preacher". I was right in the late 60's with a guitar, experimental liturgy and open mindedness. For me it was who I was, not a role. I didn't see myself as a "Hippie" just me. I'm still that way.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, in a few years the music was hijacked by the evangelicals and the open mindedness allowed people who were simply rebellious to exit to new age cults. Having seen the new day, most churches drew the shutters and went back to things as normal.
Doug
sobering reflection. your strong witness persists. you've brothers and sisters who stand alongside with quiet joy and solid presence. may Spirit bring us to the dance of this day.
Deleteronaldo
Now Generation
ReplyDeleteWar’s industry has been a constant malaise.
Prosperity creeps into polarized camps.
American policies corporate run mayonnaise.
Tarnished gild on Freedoms’ torch hope damps.
Middle-class families often sustain deep pain.
Opportunity passed on from depression folk’s sweat.
Encouraging children to their highest despite little gain,
Finding vocations less desirable but work off debt.
Seniordom inescapable for history’s clock does tick.
Can body demands be met as age relentlessly hikes?
Technology advances bringing a globe at mouse click.
Sustaining self, spouse needs ‘midst too many likes.
Surrounded by possessive possessions as a mouse’s nest,
Cohorts search for meaning while clutter collects.
Truckloads of stuff depart to thrift shops bringing rest.
Finding places for all our “blessings” a new mythos reflects.
Can we meet the challenge as our generation matures?
Elder role requires a thoughtful, serene disposition.
Including past and future generations’ hopefulness procures.
Ours the Now, no other better position.
Calm, quiet, noise pollution abated,
Sanctuary at a heart led path to the center.
This eternal four minutes will mean all demands sated.
Creator’s promise, Jesus touch, Spirit our Mentor.
Many spiritual methods can this truth bring.
God’s garden extends far beyond our ken.
Not optional a belief connection which to cling,
For the Christian, Trinity and Jesus; Buddhist, Zen.
Claiming generational perspective history will out.
No one signature will make this effort final.
Attempting to understand lessens fear, doubt.
Entering the Now much better than denial.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
22.2.13
We are the Bridge
ReplyDeleteFrom a generation who labored with their bodies
to a generation who will work with their minds
we are the bridge
From a generation who communicated with stamps and letters
to a generation who communicates with their thumbs
we are the bridge
From a generation who worshiped in one way
to a generation who will worship in many ways
we are the bridge.
From a generation who worked one job till the golden watch
to a generation who will work in numerous places, in numerous professions
we are the bridge
From a generation who invented the ‘screen’
to a generation who will live on the ‘screen’
we are the bridge
From a generation who belonged to large proud tribes
to a generation who will live in small multicultural villages
we are the bridge
From a generation who bridged from farm to city
to a generation who will bridge from wireless to whatever
we are their bridge
From a generation who worked for family and toiled for rest
to a generation looking for friendship and ready for their place
we are fellow travelers waiting for grace
who say
“God is here, Christ is among us, the Spirit … is with ALL OF US”
um hmm. love this :)
Deletenicely put. bridgers we be.
Deleteronaldo
Our parents actually went to church, and our grandparents too. Though my grandmother was happy to watch her favorite preachers on Sunday morning television when going to church became to taxing for her as she got older. They listened to the pastors in person, heard the music and the readings in real time, and actively participated in communion alongside their fellow congregants.
ReplyDeleteWe do the same today in my generation, but we also have other options.
Now, for our children, there are websites for most churches, large screens and sound systems in others, (thankfully Holy Spirit has been spared this last technological advancement) and Bibles are available for e-readers and computer users.
I suppose my generation, those of us in our mid-50's?, and older, could be some of the last generation to have experienced an entirely digital-free church upbringing.
Pat Mason
history in the making. nicely put.
Deleteronaldo
Woman in the Grey Flannel Stew.
ReplyDeleteBy Marlene Obie
Born slightly before The War, I was not of the Greatest Generation or a Baby Boomer. I thought I was of a generation with no name, but Ruth told me I was the Man in the Gray Flannel Suit generation. Upon thinking about the upbringings of my contemporaries and me, I’d say we are the “mulligan” produced by teams of Rosie the Riveter and Suzy Homemaker. We girls were the Tammys and Gidgets taking big spoonfuls of healthy, moral advice and expectations from our parents and pastors (whether they tasted them or not), yet attracted to April Love and Love Me Tender with the spicier Rebel Without a Cause. Cruising with American Graffiti and Rocking around the Clock with Grease - Downtown were our cravings for more exotic ingredients, but we feared possible scorchings from Splendor in the Grass and drawing the censorship of Peyton Place. We are a tantalizing blend of the reliable staples and unpredictable creativity.
As a teen, I mostly followed the rules and worried a lot about what ramifications might follow when I didn’t. I spent more time thinking what my parents’ reaction would be and possibly losing honors from school than having fun while at drinking parties. (How else I strayed is between God and me) My faith, however, was steadfast. I knew God loved me no matter what. Still, I knew there were for sinful behavior. My girlfriends were also vital for my emotional and mental health. We came from a variety of Christian denominations and visited each other’s churches.
I accepted all the Old Testament stories as absolute facts of history, along with the enhancement of the movies – The Ten Commandments, Samson and Delilah, David and Bathsheba, The Rob, Quo Vadis, The Greatest Story Ever Told, etc. I diligently memorized Luther’s Catechism in Confirmation, along with required Bible verses. (Not sorry about that as they often rise with perfect timing out of my memory). The first time someone at Circle brought up ideas from looking at the stories in a different way, I was stunned. Wasn’t that picking and choosing what we’d believe and what not to believe?
Over the years since then I have, by being open and expectant, found an expansion of my comfortable faith experience that often causes me to spatter out of the pan with a WOW. I have grown in my knowledge and understanding of the core of my faith. But, of course I am always learning and receiving new epiphanies, simmering in different communities, and daily becoming more aware of the pain of others and reflections of God in them and in me. I know the recipe of my relationship with God and my worldwide siblings will continue to get new tweaks. Chef God (He and She) is still creating and has immunity from being chopped.
The Silent Generation
ReplyDeleteA Google search for what my generation is called resulted in the following: “The label "Silent Generation" was first coined in the November 5, 1951 cover story of Time to refer to the generation coming of age at the time, born during the Great Depression and World War II, including the bulk of those who fought during the Korean War. The article, (which defined the generation at the time as born from 1925 to 1945), found its characteristics as grave and fatalistic, conventional, possessing confused morals, expecting disappointment but desiring faith, and for women, desiring both a career and a family.”
Born at the very end of this so-called Silent Generation, I grew up on a farm. I learned to be frugal, to work hard, and to wait for what I wanted. I enjoyed memorizing Bible verses for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I enjoyed Pie Socials and Christmas Programs at my one-room country school. I sat on Daddy’s lap and listened to the news of WWII, the death of FDR, and the scandal of McCarthyism. When we finally got a small black-and-white TV, I watched I Love Lucy and Leave It To Beaver.
In my early years, I was not aware of women doing significant things outside of home. Men apparently were in charge of the world, made all the decisions, and earned the living to support wives and children who were safe at home. Dick and Jane ate supper around the dining room table when “Father” came home, and “Mother” wore an apron over her dress. Children were seen and not heard. I dutifully learned to sew, set a proper table, cook a balanced meal, and plant a nutritious garden. But in my heart I wanted to do something more: to be a pastor, a doctor, a missionary, a scientist! I wanted to make a difference!
Today as I write this, we are celebrating International Women’s Day. We celebrate thousands of women over the centuries and the generations who have broken the glass ceiling, broken the taboos of their times, and opened the windows of justice, freedom, and humans rights for all of us.
We are the Silent Generation no more.