A generational legacy

As we reflect on the 249th birthday of our great nation, the United States of America, we can recall specific, historical events that have significantly shaped each generation over the past century.

Consider these American generational milestone moments:

• The Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927): Where were you

   on V-E Day?

• The Silent Generation (born 1928-1945): Where were you

  when Pearl Harbor was attacked?

• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964): Where were you when JFK

   was assassinated?

• Gen X (born 1965-1980): Where were you when the space

   shuttle Challenger exploded?

• Millennials (born 1981-1996): Where were you on 9/11?

In each of these circumstances, despite tragedy, the country was largely inspired to a sense of unity and displays of patriotism.

However, Generation Z (also called Gen Z, born 1997-2012), had a much different experience.

Their question: Where were you when the world was quarantined for COVID-19?

What sets this question apart is how it has torn our country apart, deepening political and cultural divides.

Definitive characteristics

Generation Z was the first generation to view the world as inherently unsafe.

Gen Z inherited this worldview, exacerbated by economic crises, inflation, fear of school shootings, political incivility, and global unrest. Gen Z lives at the speed of a smartphone and is overshadowed by a constant, electronic doomscroll in their newsfeed, which delivers all the world’s bad news in an instant. Any engagement with news sources directs an all-knowing algorithm that is literally shaping their worldview in a pessimistic, fearful crisis mode.

Enter COVID-19, in which everything Gen Z knew about the world and expected in their growing-up years was taken away. The resulting mental health crisis among young people is met by jeering accusations, as older generations brand them “snowflakes.” The result is a generation of children who experienced social, emotional, or psychological injuries that will leave an indelible imprint for years to come.

If you’re feeling the weight of that, know that there is reason for hope and optimism. Gen Z has many strengths. They are incredibly tech-savvy (and no doubt are the first to help you with your tech requests). They value authenticity and are increasingly rejecting influencer culture, preferring privacy and more time offline. Aware of economic instability, they are generally fiscally conscious and have a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit. Gen Z is embracing traditional values like prioritizing marriage, having children, and achieving home ownership. They want stable careers, predictable routines, and healthy lifestyles. Their political views are shifting as they increasingly value tradition, privacy, and freedom for expressions of faith.

Distinctive moments

As you celebrate America’s birthday with your family, find ways to also celebrate the strengths of each generation in this great nation. Share your stories of lived American experiences, while appreciating the unique perspective of others. Honor those in your family who have served or are serving in the military. Go to a parade. Eat barbecue while waiting to watch an inspiring display of fireworks.

A sense of shared patriotism strengthens family bonds across generations, creates a sense of belonging and identity, honors the sacrifices of those who’ve gone before us, and offers a sense of hope.

But more than that, let us be reminded we are ultimately citizens of Heaven – a kingdom that will long outlast this country we cherish and hold dear today. Our faith is not in a government structure, earthly leader, or worldly power. We are citizens of a heavenly kingdom who live in a country where we have the incredible privilege to exercise our right to free speech by telling others about the hope of Heaven.

As you celebrate the tenuous freedoms you have today, celebrate and share the unshakable freedom you have in Christ. That’s a generational moment worth sharing and an eternal legacy worth preserving.