An Irrational Dream Regarding Millennials and the Culture

Standing in a dimly lit room for a long period of time, our "awareness - o - meter" is not spiked when the room grows gradually darker.

To expect a generation to be rattled by a moral decline, an oversized government that continues to grow, or the impact that broken social values have on our economic and cultural structure - is a dream. An irrational assumption, and a fairy tale dream.

However when a small light appears on the scene of the described dark room, while we may not immediately sense the need to pivot to it, we may eventually notice it. Our intrigue will grow as the light increases in size and quantity. The greater the presence of light, the darkness runs into the shadows. Once we see the authentic truth of the light, and its fruit that bears resemblance to no other, its appeal will woo us and we will recognize we're ready to move on from the dullness of the night. Realization will strike us that "our room" is dark and ill-fitting to our intricately woven purpose sown into our dna that we crave to pursue. We will respond.

In translation from analogy to reality - the room is our culture and "we" are the Millennial Generation (young adults between the ages of 24 - 35).

If you as the Presidential Candidates of 2016, community leaders, concerned parents, corporation CEOs, or anyone in between - want to convince us our nation is headed down the wrong path, you need to show us a light to walk towards. Convince us by your personal and genuine display that the world we currently reside in is pitiful compared to what we as Americans, and children of God are meant to - and can - embrace.

• Get your finances in order before pointing fingers at us and our irresponsibility.
• Decrease your dependence on government before telling us we lack responsibility and need more independence.
• Get your relationships right among friends, morally, sexually, and among a fellowship of community before telling us we should not be isolationists.
• Live out your patriotism, and American dream. Show us your story of why America matters to you.
• Respect authorities and the rule of law if you want us to appreciate and do the same.
• You want us to have a grasp on history, and a vision for the future? Do you?
• And are your words proceeded by actions? 

Do not leave us alone to abide in our growing abyss of destructive darkness. But instead live out an example - shine a light by your own life.

The purpose OF this post is not to extend guilt or condemnation, but to offer a perspective. Your heart grieves at the apathy of Millennials and our perceived lack of patriotism and engagement. Recognize that we do not appreciate the full depth of a danger we are in because we have grown up in a "gradually increasing dark world" for most of our lives. It is what we know.

But YOU ... you have the ability to draw us to a better way. Start the redemption process of America story - with you. By your living example, you can remind us of the foundations, stoke our passion, demonstrate we have hope to move towards, and illuminate how the "wrong way" things are being done now provide a dismal future.

Standing in a fully lit room, we'll see the truth and in turn we will cause the beacon on the hill to shine bright once again.

- ajh

Political Leaders: Do Not Fundamentally Transform a Nation Because of a Generation Who Has Yet to Know Who We Are.

How to engage the young people is a byline political, and cultural leaders pose for discussion. Yes, it's true that they are (we are!) an important market. So if they want to reach us, they need to figure us out.

I'm a political nut and my head is reeling from all the Presidential Candidates to date. In fact, I think it's a bit ridiculous (and I'm fine with options and choices in this matter) to have this many people.

The questions that will be ASSUMED upon the Millennials the pollsters CHOOSE to poll will pertain to jobs, college debts, homosexual "marriage", the economy- oh and don't forget choice. The all significant choice for women on whether they can have an abortion (never mind that many of the Millennials are MISSING from the cultural discussion BECAUSE they have been aborted. They could have made all the difference in our economy but wait, I digress).

Ask anyone in their 60's or 80's if they knew themselves in their teens, 20's or even 30's. Few people I would guess were settled in their own identity, their own grounded philosophy or even career and family structure when they were the Millennials' ages (approximately between 1980 and 1991).

So, why is it that the mainstream media, and other influential voices are looking to young adults NOW as to their opinions on matters and letting that DRIVE the discussions? Why are they letting young adults create a narrative?

Let's not forget the Middle Age market, and the Senior Citizens of our nation. There is way too much worship of youth in this culture but that's for another post.

Our - the Millennials - participation is very vital, wanted, and we bring some great points to the table. However, the theme of a nation on important policy topics should not be driven by those who are - overall - still unsure of themselves, let alone the identity of a nation.

Presidential Candidates, and political operatives: As you rush to cater to us so that you can catch our vote, consider this: Millennials will respect you more when you stand for something - even if we do not agree - that we would for you changing with the wind, especially for our account. 

Give us WISDOM from the ages, not political correct speak. We are still discovering ourselves. Respect us - but do not transform a nation because of a generation who does not yet know who we really are.

AJH

American Dream in Progress

A man ran for President in 2012 by the name of Mitt Romney. He chose a Vice Presidential candidate by the name of Paul Ryan. A Congressman from Wisconsin, a man in his 40's, a dad and husband who of course was hopeful he might win the number 2 most powerful seat in America. But something else happened. Mitt and Paul lost.

I don't think he expected what was to follow though.

In his campaign travels he met some people, whose stories gripped him, and he could not shake the impact. He had to help tell their narrative. Watch this short video - Episode 1 of his Comeback Episode 1. You are about to be blown away.

In a political world that is used to generating solutions for poverty, and a number of other issues, this policy wonk decided if we are to truly bring solutions we need to go outside the walls of government. We must see what people are doing in the communities.

I don't think people knew that he was on the scene for more than a moment. Possibly a catalyst to a shot of adrenaline of hope into our culture.

Thank you, Mr. Ryan for seeing beyond just your own political ambitions.  America, God is doing incredible things in our nation. The BEST IS YET TO COME! And what you are about to witness is the real Comeback Story ...

Full of hope,
Amy

God's Favorite Sign

Anyone else "collecting rainbows"? I keep seeing rainbows in the heavens!!!!

I know we have a lot of rain however I love it that it's God's sign of faithfulness and they are being displayed NOW in this interesting hour of history.

To those in our culture who have claimed it as their brand ... EMBRACE IT. Because each time you change your profile picture or wave your flag, you are reminding the world that GOD IS FAITHFUL. And it seems He really REALLY wants YOU to know it too. Don't you think it's interesting that of ALL THE EMBLEMS you could have chosen you chose A RARE EXAMPLE IN HISTORY THAT God specifically said THIS IS A SIGN FOR FOREVER of one of MY CHARACTERISTICS?!

He could have told us the rainbow reminds us of His anger, or that sin doesn't win, or anything ... but HE CHOSE to remind us FOR FOREVER (and ever and ever) of HIS FAITHFULNESS. HE WILL NOT ABANDON US, OR HIS PROMISES OF GOODNESS to us.

God has great dreams for you ... He is faithful to YOU. He will NOT walk away from His promises.

GOD IS GOOD. And His rainbow is beautiful. But more so the God it represents behind it. So keep waving it in our faces. There is a remnant that is rejoicing. We can see beyond your political aggressiveness ... God is going to do great things in the "rainbow community." You will be KNOWN as a community that learned of God's faithfulness ...

God's sweet blessings of revelation to you beloved rainbow community. God's awesome things are to come for you!

‪#‎Rejoicing‬ ‪#‎Faithfulness‬ ‪#‎Rainbows‬

An Expensive Run

The clouds were heavy. Thunder had been intermittently testing its voice. But at "this" moment, there was no rain. So, a 4 mile run was in order.

There is nothing like the threat of impending rain to cause one to test one's speed, with the hopes of beating its downpour by making it home - first. 

Forget making it home dry. Rain like Bible-Famous-Noah's Tsunami hit about mile 3. Ignoring the option to turn off to many family members' alcoves along the way, I pressed on. The rain surpassed my speed and did not slow down. 

Like all 21st century runners, of course we have something tech close at hand for listening entertainment. My proverbial smart phone was in an armband case. How funny of me to assume it could survive. 

By the time I made it home, I was soaked wet. And everything on me as well. I can survive with a little rain but not the phone. With a bit of dismantling, drying with a towel, consulting YouTube for how to use the magical "dry rice" treatment, and some big hopes - I succumbed to the idea that it was in trouble. Hello, Verizon Service Guy - can you help me? 

Thus ensued my discovery that not only was the phone shot, but I'd have to wait for a new one to be shipped to me. In the meantime I was dealt a loner. That was a horrific experience in itself (so bad, I was almost ready for a rotary phone. You laugh. But it was awful). Over 12 days later and the "smart phone" still had not come home. The wait ensued. 

Here's my point: a fast run, to stay healthy and disciplined, with the goal of making it home before the rain was an initial great goal. But the demolishing of a phone, in the rain, and days of being without my right hand has given me pause. 

Guilty. I'm just like many of the 21st century phone touting adults. Used as a tool for work, time killer, entertainment, a way to keep in touch it is indeed second nature for me to consult it - constantly. It's my crutch for my introvert-ness self in a crowd who does not want to talk to people: I hide behind my phone. It's my anthem of coolness - carrying a smart phone, and using it for maps, directions, flight details, tracking world news, taking pictures, and more. And it's my resource to make sure every moment counts for productivity. The trivia a Verizon Rep shared with me did not come as a surprise: that for many people it is the first thing they touch in the morning, and the last thing they touch at night. I'm not sure why this is trivia to some of us - it's just fact. 

So my point of this piece is more of an examination in the mirror: I like my phone, use my phone, but have abused my phone. In the same way you're thrown off your stride when you can't use a hand, or you're without a car, this has been expensive by throwing me off my rhythm. 

Truth be told - the expense was probably worth it.  Being without it has shown me how much I don't need it. Don't worry I'm not going rogue and throwing it away but I hope to be more mindful that there is life beyond the screen. And becoming obsessed with a phone and everything on it is not healthy. This too is good to remember.

So, here's to runs. In the rain. And finding the 21st century magnificent technology is not yet perfect. With rain - and the quality moments of life as examples - it just can't beat or replace everything. And that's ok. It is still annoying to be without the grandiose smart phone but life will continue. 

- AJH

If Not Us, Who Will Speak Up?

Oh what powerful words to consider, as the news around us swirls of persecutions and the squelching of freedom. May we not be the last one standing. 

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemöller 

I want to speak out. Before no one is left to speak up for me. Let the History books not say "They did nothing" but instead "a world was set free because they stood, and were a voice for those who cried for freedom."

- ajh

Goodness

When we can recognize what is good, then we can acknowledge what is wrong in our culture. White looks white until you hold it up to pure white and you realize the original color was cream or a very faint grey. When one sees a contrast, one notes the real meaning of both substances. That "understanding" alters the course of one's direction.

What if, in the same way, we identified what is good and held it in fair comparison against what is "less-good". I propose we could then better recognize, and admit, what is missing and the consequences that follow its void.

This year, I've been drawn to the words virtue, honor, wholesomeness and goodness. These terms are antiquated and irrelevant language for some, and yet poignantly beautiful to others. To the latter, hearing them used is like reconnecting with old and familiar friends in a foreign land.

We live in a culture that has bought into the lie that there is no relationship between our moral virtues and our economic and cultural success. How much longer are we going to dismiss the undeniable relationship?

Sadly, our culture - at the moment - interchanges good and bad. They have both turned a muddy grey. Many people have covered their eyes and ignored the changing definition. Or themselves have accepted the current grey as satisfactory and allowed it to be the new "white" or standard. Toward our current demise - as individuals and a nation - we have slowly built upon these new norms and in turn have vacated the power of the original purpose.

Many define goodness on different levels. Regardless of our philosophical or religious beliefs, all of us can recognize there is an evil in our culture and that we can do better. If there is evil, there must be goodness. We have to start somewhere to define these things. For the majority of Americans, again regardless of specific religion, we recognize there is a God; if He master-minded magnificent creation, I think He's credible to define for us what is right, virtuous and honorable.

To every virtue or function of being, there is an opposite. Honest versus dishonest. Courage versus timidity. Boldness versus weakness. Standing versus sitting. Running versus standing still. This week, consider every day examples of evil, bad, or corruption and ask yourself - what is the opposite? And does my life recognize the opposite's existence? Does my family? My community? If no, we must not despair but work to redeem this moment in history.

The lack of presence in the every day vocabulary does not change their worth, or dilute their power. However, we can all acknowledge that as a society and country, these timeless qualities have been subliminally denied existence. Starting with the simply thing of using words in our every day language that define what is good, right, and true, will get us thinking about them again. Inquisitive minds often go looking for honest answers. Behind every powerful word is a concept. When, once again, we pursue the concepts behind good, honor and wholesome, perhaps our society will realize the ill we face at this moment with our less than ideal standards, and walk in the other direction.

The beautiful part is - if as individuals we remember what is right, true, and wholesome we have a chance of making America great again. But that's a blogpost for another time.

- ajh

Powerful Quote on Marriage

Join me in celebrating Marriage Week by offering accolades to the positive features of marriage.

What a powerful quote this is. Stop complaining about it. Make it work, people. My generation needs your example that one man, one woman marriage is worth it.

Explore these pro-marriage sites: 

• Marriage Generation (I write for this one)
• National Organization for Marriage

Forbes: 7 Ways to Serve & Keep Millennial Customers

If you plan on having a successful business, organization or ministry that somehow caters to or reaches those born 1980 til now, you will have to change your approach. Inconvenient? Yes. Uncomfortable because it is different to everything you have been taught as a Baby Boomer, Generation Y or Greatest Generation member? Yes. But are these approaches vital for you to consider and adapt?

Forbes.com has a guest author that penned "7 Ways to Serve & Keep Millennial Customers."  It is definitely worth your read. He says:

"This new generation thinks differently about customer service, about how they want to be treated in business interactions.  It is a generation of consumers defined by the digital world that they’ve known since infancy...[They] have little understanding of the more earthbound systems and expectations that dominated the consumer landscape only a few years ago.

"...But the particulars of how customer service has been delivered for the last several decades are extremely baby boom specific. it’s time for businesses to change, and change fast."

The author highlights these 7 things to focus on:
1. Offload the transactional
2. Focus on the experiential.
3. Understand customer self-determination.
4. Become a speed-freak
5. Leave your customers time and space to breathe.
6. Consider values.
7. Speak their language.

If you want them to be in your customer population and you want your entity to succeed, you better take note. And make changes - fast. Millennials aren't going anywhere. And their children's generation will differ even more.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2013/07/25/7-ways-to-serve-and-keep-millennial-customers/

Good Piece: 12 Things Millennials Refuse to Do

AARP has provided something of interest: "12 Ways Millennials Differ From Boomers" and I think they have very interesting - and possibly correct - insights. Let me know your thoughts.

http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/history/info-08-2013/12-things-millennials-refuse-to-do.html#slide1

Short Snippet on #Millennials (CNN Video)

It's short, sweet and interesting. If you're a Millennial - what say you? Are they right, about us?

Jobs for Millennials (Yes, Heritage Foundation I'm Talking about You)

If you do not receive this email, you should.

The Heritage Foundation sends out a daily email with job listings. It's fantastic! 

Here is some of the verbiage you'll receive in your email (and look at their job list). Email Sean to join the list. His info is below. Tell him I sent you :)

From the Heritage Job Bank Email:
Please find the updated Jobs List at the following link: http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/HeritageJobBank/Jobs-List.pdf

Should you obtain a position found in the Jobs List, we’d love to hear your success story! Please share by emailing sean.kibby@heritage.org. Thanks!

Enjoy your Tuesday evening!

Sean

The Heritage Foundation 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 546-4400
You are subscribed to this newsletter as amyjaynehawkins@gmail.com.

My Post for the "Marriage Generation" Blog

I have the honor of being a contributor to this fantastic website: Marriage Generation. It is a collection of young adults who are working to make marriage cool again. Here is a sample of my latest piece. Keep reading on their site via the link below. 

Please note I have also added a direct link to their site in one of my main menu options.

Silent Cheerleaders
"I love following pop culture, technology advances, and fashion trends. When one monitors these things, one comes across many juicy tidbits on relationships’ of the famous. And as a Christian who is an advocate for lifetime marriage, I notice when marriages fall apart even among our cultural VIPs.

"There are a few couples in Hollywood I have my eye on right now. Unbeknownst to them, I’m the quiet cheerleader behind the laptop screen or the fashion magazine who is cheering when I see they are still together. It’s true, I pray for Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck; I’m in exhilarating awe at the marriage longevity for Faith Hill and Tim McGraw; I’m thankful that Jada Pinket Smith and Will Smith still make their marriage work--15 years and counting. My heart sings when I learn of a limelight marriage that has lasted for over 20 years. In celebration of Tom Hanks’ 25 year marriage milestone Parade Magazine took a look at 15 of the longest lasting marriages. I don’t expect Hollywood’s elites to have perfect marriages, but I celebrate when they stick it out.

"I realize personal life behind the public glamour is different all together; but I hope for their success. Angst creeps in when I consider the reality that – given the trend of marriages among the rich and famous – it is highly possibly their union may come to screeching halt.

"It’s true, I’m the one who grieves when a Hollywood couple’s marriage breaks down..." (keep reading)

A Few Technology Faves

Here are a couple  of the technology resources that have my attention.

Google Trends - what people are searching for means it's what people are talking about

YouTube Trends Map - follow what age groups are watching

UpTo - cutting edge calendar tool

I love Mashable.com which keeps me informed as to some of the latest technology news and happenings.

And if you are not on Pinterest.com yet you should be. It's a fantastic place to share ideas, stir your creativity and post educational information. You'd be surprised at the organizations that are already on it.

Thoughts?

Refreshing: Marriage Battle - All Is Not Lost

I've just come across a piece that is awash of encouragement. While I am not sure that I agree with all of what the author says, I see nuggest of gold. Here are a few of them from The Surest Way to Promote God's Good Plan for Marriage (by Dan Doriani)

• Jesus defends one man one woman marriage in the gospels: "On the other hand, Genesis states and Jesus reaffirms God's good plan for marriage: "From the beginning the Creator made them male and female. . . . For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (Matt. 19:4-5). "
    
• Quotes Russell Moore "...the gospel doesn't need family values to flourish: "Real faith often thrives when it is in sharp contrast to the cultures around it..."
  
• "...this is hardly the first time an America court or legislature has promoted or tolerated actions contrary to biblical morality..."
  
• "Waves of good marriages will make the case for God's plan more effectively than any state or federal law..."
  
• We still have the freedom to promote traditional marriage (vs countries like China who are forced into abortions, not even having the freedom to promote or choose a certain value)

Take a peek at it yourself. And many thanks to Family Research Council for pointing me in the right direction of hope! (Sign up to join their regular Social-Conservative Issue Review email. It's a worthy email to receive!)

Two Pieces of Encouragement: A Nudge & A Kick

Somehow, someway, with Divine intent, I have come across two incredible articles that pertain to the Millennial Generation. One is a nudge of encouragement - as though a fellow runner is elbowing me to remind me I'm not alone but to keep it up.

The second article is a letter per-say from a Baby Boomer. To me and my peers. And it's one of those exhortations that stings - but feels very good. I find myself wanting to say "Finally! Someone is being direct with us!" (Do you realize how many people are not giving sound wisdom to us Millennials?)

Read on, share and tell me what you think.

The first one is published in World, titled: Countercultural warriors with the subtitle of
Some Christian millennials are very publicly standing apart from their generation to defend marriage

The second one is by a well known radio voice, Rush Limbaugh. Don't judge him and skip the truth. If you must, ignore the author and read the truth. Published on Policymic: Pandering to Millennials will Ruin the GOP