Welcome to Voices In The Wilderness!

I’m currently 57 years old and a part of Generation X. I’ve shared with my 20 year old son that at my age I’ve seen a few things. Some of us have experienced parents coming home from Vietnam and other wars (my father fought in the Vietnam War, he returned home a shadow of the man that left – illness both physical and mental plagued him. It impacted his live and ability to be a husband and a father).

My generation (Generation X) Has Seen:

• The end of the Cold War -living under the specter of nuclear war.
• Depressed Financial situations during and after the Great Recession.
• September 11 attacks – occurred when my generation was beginning to raise families and develop careers.
• Rise of Personal Computing and the Internet – the beginning of of Apple and Microsoft’s dominance. The transition from analog to digital as well as a young internet and beginning of modern cell phones.

Yes, we in Generation X, have seen a lot. Newer generations, such as the Millennials, have also experienced significant challenges and changes in the world. They are now maturing, having lived through their own challenges.

Millennials and What They Have Experienced:

• September 11 attacks – which occurred while they were in school and early adulthood.
• The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars – these wars spanned much of their youth and into adulthood.
• Great Recession – like Gen.X, but they were younger just entering the workforce and dealing with tremendous job insecurity and financial turmoil.
• The Rise of Social Media and Smartphones – Facebook, iPhones, and social media began to have a huge impact on their lives. They significantly changed how we all communicate.
• Election of Barack Obama- This event allowed them to see the first Black President of the USA. It was a historical event that suggested racial justice, tolerance, and hope.
• Killing of George Floyd and COVID-19 Pandemic – both of these events had huge impacts on this generation as well.

Generation Z and the Impacts Affecting Them…

Let’s begin with a few events that impact our youth:

• COVID-19 Pandemic –
  a life altering and defining experience.  This event occurred during their formative school years! They saw lockdowns, virtual classroom, isolation and mental health challenges as a result.  These events deeply impacted GenZ.
• The Rise of Social Media & Digital Identity – emergence of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat shaped their communication. These platforms also influenced their self-images and views of the world, all in real time. 
• The Black Lives Matter Protests (2020) – were spurred by events like the killing of George Floyd. They engaged many in social justice, activism, and racial awareness. There was also a resurgence of racism and White Nationalist ideology.
• Multiple School shootings in the United States – Events like Stoneman Douglas HS Shooting, and others began to define widespread anxiety, fear, safety drills like shelter in place and activism such as March for Our Lives

As we can all see there are much the generations have witnessed in the USA. However, our younger generation is suffering from feelings of depression, mental health issues and many still managing social awkwardness.

Let us Lift these younger generations up in prayer!

Lord God -Heavenly Father,

We lift up our young people to You.

In the midst of depression, anxiety, and stress, remind them that their future is not behind them—but ahead, filled with HOPE!

Help us stand firm in our faith and live in a way that shows them their future is bright.

Lord, bless the work of their hands, guide their paths, and fill them with peace, purpose, and courage and goodwill.

Let them rise in faith, knowing they are not forgotten.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Remember, the Gospel is good news for every situation!