The youth has the power to shape the future
Imagine walking into an art gallery. The lights are bright, illuminating beautiful pieces of art. You don’t know where to begin for there are so many possible ways to explore the space.
You see a featured artist on spotlight. Their name’s on display beside where they’re seated and their works adjacent. You gravitate towards this, compelled to meet the artist and view their work, but as you further approach, you see them shrugged, unenthusiastically answering questions about their pieces and seemingly dissatisfied with what’s on display. Despite how complex their artworks may be, when presented in this manner, it is quite difficult to listen, to remain interested.
Now think about another scenario where hung on the walls are plain canvases with various types of dots. Some paintings have just one dot, others have multiple, but you’re really thinking, “Wow, my 3-year-old cousin can do these.” When all of a sudden, a woman approaches you, ecstatic about you being there. She begins to describe to you the deep meaning of the artworks, what the dots symbolize, and why they’re placed where they are. Her gestures are elaborate, passion seeping through her every word. You can tell, feel, know, they mean something. To her, then now, as she goes on to narrate its importance, to you.
Which artist’s work would you most likely buy?
We’ve been trained to think of power as something that can only be given or earned. But I’d like to argue that we all inherently have the power to be effective, compelling, and propagators of change once we realize that it is in embracing this that others can be affected. How we present ourselves and the confidence in which we display our ideas and own the spaces we have been given access to—these are the markers of a person who recognizes that power and influence are theirs for the taking.
Be encouraged that your being born at such a time as this is the power required to be a force for future change.
I love the story of the two artists because it’s a representation of how we, as humans, connect to those who are convinced that their passion can be shared. Sometimes social media and the concept of followers, subscribers, or likes can skew our idea of what it means to be influential. Yes, numbers contribute, but it isn’t solely that. If we cannot convince a single person that what we have to say is worth hearing, who’s to say a crowd will receive the message?
I know what it’s like to feel gripped so strongly by a message or cause that you can’t help but feel responsible for initiating whatever change it requires. That’s why I created a mental health and mindfulness podcast called Pausecast, because the effects of the pandemic left us all so hungry to look after our inner lives. That’s why I cannot sleep until I finish editing a vlog or a reel, thinking about the number of messages I receive daily asking for advice and guidance. I am not a licensed therapist nor the most profound filmmaker, but I do believe that in everything I share and create, I am coming from a place that is most authentic and with the benefit of others in mind. That is why I would imagine my work has taken effect, either large or small, in the lives of those who engage with my content.
Let’s get practical for a moment. Do you have a “pain point” (as my dad calls it) that you’re convinced aligns with your calling and requires you to be proactive for it to be addressed? Acknowledge it, flesh it out, and ask yourself why that itch remains and why it seems so important to you.
Next, as best as you can, get thoroughly educated on the matter. I find that I am most confident when I am most informed, so identify the thought leaders in the subject, immerse yourself in their work, and surround yourself with like-minded people.
Finally, or even simultaneously, begin whatever you can do. At times the thought of a big and audacious act can be daunting, making us hesitate to start, but I love creating mini-essays, decks, or just phrases that work as “seed-thoughts” that I may revisit when I am able to act upon them and/or expand them when I am ready. That way, your action is supported by the power of heart and skill.
Know that it takes time to build the muscle that enables that rather reckless side of you to operate. Reckless not in the sense that you’re irresponsible, but agile in taking action before the insecurities can catch up to you, before the lies silence you. 1 Timothy 4:12-13 is one of my favorite verses: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” It’s my encouragement to embrace my youth instead of being ashamed of it.
We, the youth, are fearless. We’re risk-takers and we act. When we’re shut down or dismissed, consider that it may be because others have lost their “boldness” muscle. If we are continually striving to be the best representations of our generation, in speech, conduct, love, faith etc., wear your youthfulness as a badge of honor and I assure you, the right people will listen and latch on to your initiative.
Sometimes the powerlessness that we feel is result, not of truth, but of a wounded spirit. Be encouraged that your being born at such a time as this is the power required to be a force for future change. Do not give up that power to insecurity or the silencing of others. Rather, step into the power that is inherently inside of you by coupling passion with education in pursuit of your divine calling. And man, I wish I was that listening ear beside you.