The Sandwich Generation
We’re in week 2 of a series we’ve called “Influencers”. You know. Those unusual people online who have the uncanny ability to get millions of likes, follows, and shares for their content. They’re entertaining. Their posts capture our attention. BUT — What if, just beyond your screen, you could see the influence that lives under your roof, in your family, and in the community right where you live? It’s wrapped up in people older than you, younger than you, and even — in you.
Genuine influence isn’t virtual. It’s right by your side.
Unstoppable Influence
Something powerful happens when the wisdom of the mature joins the passion of the young. At every stage of life, God's given us something to contribute and something to learn. When we make time to listen to one another and spend time with people who aren't at the same stage of life as us, we discover a much broader way to see the world.
More like a Club Sandwich
You may have experienced it. You may be growing toward it. And you may be right in the middle of it. You feel too old to be cool and too young to be wise. You have grandparents and parents to care for while navigating the complexities of kids, friendships, dating, and marriage. The Sandwich Generation has become more of a club sandwich these days. It brings a unique set of joys and challenges. The Sandwich Generation has
A VISION for a preferred future.
A PASSION to fight for GODLY progress.
But vision and passion come with inherent temptations:
The temptation of change. Different isn’t always better. Sometimes it’s just different. Some of the ways of the past may have caused problems, but the overpromise of quick solutions can cause more harm than good. Don’t just change. Change in a way that moves you toward God and one another.
The discouragement of distraction. We’ve experienced the hurt of sin. But what if our greatest challenge was choosing between right and wrong, but between good, better, and best? We live in a world of opportunity. We feel the weight of responsibility. By setting the right priorities, you can evaluate every possibility against a standard that helps you follow Christ and draw close to one another.
This standard begins with unshakable core values and continues with well-defined family values. Family values make the most of core values in this generation. Your family will have different priorities than mine, but when our family values flow out of our core values, we encourage every generation to:
Find confidence in God’s call.
We walk in the conviction of godly family values.
The more we experience God’s grace, the more grace we can freely give. In this season of life, we have an incredible gift to give to others. We become guardrail-givers who shine a light on God’s faithfulness and godly family values.
We Need You
We need you: To show us God’s STRENGTH.
We need you: To teach us to OVERCOME temptation.
We need you: To give us godly guardrails.
To Do this Week:
What are your FAMILY VALUES? Take time to consider the mission and priorities of your family.
It can be something simple. It can be an acronym like the Orrs talk about in this week’s episode of “Love y’all, Get Out”. You could create a family sigil with words that help generations see the priority and responsibility of being part of your family. Watch the Orrs to learn more or check out the Balthrop Family Sigil below.
Love y’all, Get Out!
Conversations to help you get out and live the mission! Check out our latest conversation with Mason & Kim Orr!
