February Baby Boomers column...Boomers Living with Hope

[tonya lee carrie fancher]

Baby boomers ‘Living with Hope’ series 2^nd column

 

Editors note: Today’s ‘Living with Hope” column focuses on the challenges faced by Baby Boomers, with words of hope. Once a month, this twice monthly column will focus on sharing lessons and hope for this generation.

 

     Living life has its challenges. Living life approaching golden years without hope will magnify any aches and pains, physically or emotionally. Yet, god’s hope does not disappoint.

 

     A former teacher shared with me some of the challenges and feelings of despair she has faced in beginning the next chapter of her life.

 

     “I was a teacher for 30 years. By the time I left, I wanted no retirement party or any recognition. I felt as though the faster I cleared out the better,” Christine Reisz of Kettering wrote. “Everything I had been taught in college was out dated and obsolete.”

 

     For example, Reisz said she believed children should memorize the multiplication facts, but was that a waste of time because they could use a chart or a calculator?

 

     “Respect for older experienced teachers never happened,” she wrote. “When I was young, we were told that with a good education, we were a generation that could change the world. I feel like our generation only helped to bring about what is happening in the world today.”

 

     Reisz said her son recently earned his master’s degree in city planning and has not been able to find a job yet. She said her son believes part of the problem with the job market is that fewer are retiring, and so the next generation has access to fewer opportunities.

 

     Are Boomers to blame? And if so, for what else?

 

     “Clear out, again. Our generation is going to destroy Social Security and bankrupt health care,” Reisz wrote. “Hope, I could use some.” I work part time at a library. I try to give friendly and personal service. I walk with a bag through my metro park to try and keep it clean. I feed the birds and other critters that share my land. I support the local farmers markets. I give to charities. I try to be a good person.”

 

     I’m sure Reisz is not alone in wondering how she and other Boomers can continue to make a difference and instill faith and hope in the next generation.

 

     Readers have a message of hope to share with this retired teacher and others who share similar feelings of hopelessness.

 

     Teacher, that’s still what you are

     Dear teacher, that’s what you were, and that’s still what you are. Our lives speak a message, even in the face of injustice, being under-appreciated and pushed aside. Don’t assume your life is wasted. All the ones who benefited from you are off in successful lives, too busy to imagine you feel the way you do. Find 10 little things to be thankful for today, say it out loud and smile. You matter. …Stan Tharp, pastor Vandalia

 

There is hope everywhere

 

Please take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. There are many of us within the community that share your heavy heart. The next time you’re at the library, check out the faces of the children checking out their favorite book. When you’re at the park pay attention to the smiles on people’s faces, as they walk their dogs on a brisk morning. There’s hope everywhere. We just need to stop and look around.

….Tammy Weber-Gilbert, family therapist, Dayton

 

     Hope is alive, and this hope resides in and through us. The more we awaken to our living God, who exemplifies hope, the more we will learn to live out the Word of God by faith to not be moved by what we hear or see.

 

***In support of my non-profit 501-c3 ministry God’s Freedom Fighers….which focuses on fighting for the liberty of high risk teens through mentorship, I would truly appreciate it if you will take 9 minutes to view and listen to my face book blooming boomers DVD demo…hiring me as a speaker…or for media purposes will assist in giving me the resources to continue the call to reach out to our trouble youth…goal: to reduce recidivism among our Youth!