we hold the keys

Every generation has their own unique pros & cons. I think of the generation that travelled west in covered wagons and can only praise God for the grit and determination that those crazy and incredible people had. Kudos to you if you disagree, but generally speaking I simply don't see many of us from the millennial generation being capable of those same feats (even if we do wear the same hats). Yet, we do have our own paths to forge, we're making our way through a whole new world of technology and an information filled age that will require just as much courage.

I love so many of the defining qualities that I see God working into the fiber of our current generation - especially when it comes to our force in the marketplace and the creative arts - (not to mention our smiling faces on all forms of social media). It's an amazing age we live in and we can all be excited for the unlocked potential that we hold the keys to.

Though as I'm thinking about the opportunities and privileges of our generation, I am also aware of the responsibility and danger of this all too instant world in which we live. We live in an "easy" generation.

Everything is at our fingertips.

It is easy to do something well, yet it is also just as easy to do something poorly.
It is easy to be kind, easy to be unkind.
Easy to communicate quickly and often, but also super easy to offend and step on toes.
It is easy to be open and frank but also all to easy to portray a life other than our own.
Easy to be a cyber bully but think it is okay because we used a "winky smiley" at the end or a forgiving "haha."

In conclusion. Here's 5 reminders I'm constantly reminding myself of:

1. It's easy to always have to have an opinion. It's hard to know when to voice it and when not to.

2. Make sure you're picking and choosing your battles wisely. There are many causes worth your time and energy, pray that God would use your gifts and unique voice for things that matter.

3. Be gracious. Your expectations shouldn't be the benchmark for others.

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." - Colossians 4:6

4. Don't purposefully take things out of context or twist words. For example, so many times the "don't gossip" card is pulled it is done in a spirit of superiority or self righteousness.

5. Check your heart. Is my "boldness" glorifying God or myself? Am I putting Christ and others first or my own views and amazing ability to out reason others? 

We're blessed with amazing technology and a google answer for every question ever asked, we have a huge responsibility. It is in our hands. 

Given so much, we must now give to others.

To the moon and back,
Ashley + Esther