Researchers at MIT have begun seeing noticeable trends in society that mimic the impact of racial segregation in our communities. This Boston Globe article examines and discusses the scientific and historical side of what age segregation has been like in America. Inspired by this, I decided to do a little video to share my thoughts, as well as share some things that defined me as a child and now as an adult.
Storybooks and Hot Sauce.
_______
Ok, the real reason I want you to read this article and tune in is because I, too, have noticed age segregation impacting our church communities and subsequently how Christians are living out their faith. Older folks don’t feel adequate enough to interact with younger people, and younger people tend to gravitate toward their peers for advice versus seeking older, wiser counsel.
Then I made this thing called The Illumination Project to help people from all ages and stages be in conversation together, to discuss topics of life, faith and relationships and get their questions about singleness, marriage and dating out in the light. I don’t think we were meant to do this alone.
SO. I have some challenges. Pick the two that apply to you.
_______
Want to meet the every sassy, ever wonderful, Dorothy? The lady makes me laugh. (And maybe I was wrong and she was shot in the hand not head. Whoops. Slight difference.)
From my sriracha-loving heart,
Joy
P.S. Don’t buy this book or I might have to hurt you.
P.P.S. Want to start a conversation with an old(er) person? Use this old formal lunch to get you started.
P.P.P.S. Counterfeit or not, this is my new favorite sriracha. ->
DID YOU LIKE THIS POST?
CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARTICLES:
What I Know Now: Is She The One?
What I Know Now: Is He Marriage Material?
Love and Respect (Now) is a division of Love and Respect. Please be considerate.
From My Heart
All of the Love and Respect Now Posts…In One Place!
Emerson & Sarah Eggerichs on Marriage, Parenting, Family of Origin, Work & Death
Fighting for Love (and Other Potentially Hazardous Cliches)
I should’ve said “older” generations, though goodness knows we can be condescending to younger ones as well.
Thanks for the wise and kind words Val. Yes I value older people so much because they’ve just seen so much more. While I do have a particular fondness for old men and thinking they are adorable, I don’t discount the massive amounts of insight I know they will inevitably have on one area or another or a thousand! https://loveandrespectnow.com/2010/04/stuff-i-like-old-men/ Ohhhh take me back to that basement WWII museum any day!
This is a super intriguing article, and it makes me really glad that I have been able to attend multi-generational churches throughout my life. This is something I have grown to value during the last few years because I think it is so important to be able to interact with people of different ages. There is so much that we can learn from each other. Those who are older can give us a wise counsel, and help us see our current struggles from a different perspective. Interacting with those younger than us can help us learn to be more relaxed and comfortable with ourselves. It’s all about your attitude and being willing to open yourself up to new experiences.
Yes yes yes! Thanks for this Annika. I have always felt that it’s important to have older and younger people that we are intentionally pouring into and being poured into by for a balanced life, deeper empathy and overall broader view of what is happening around us. You are fortunate to be in a church that works at having that be part of the culture — or maybe you just work at it in your intentionality. Either way I know you are the better for it!
Val thinks...
Loved both videos, and love that your interactions with other generations are *respectful.* Sometimes we have a tendency to see people from other generations or even those from other cultures as “cute.” I wonder if we realize how completely condescending that is. But I’ve never seen you do that, Joy. Thanks for practicing what you preach. <3 V
| at |