Grateful that some do recognize – “I” matter!

I am learning to look for the positive in situations that drive me insane, anger me, insult me, or hurt me in any way. Today, I saw 3 more posts stereotyping “boomers” as modernists, hippies, or whatever. Sometimes, although I know I shouldn’t take it personally, the barrage of stereotyping gets to me especially when there is an increase of posts, prayers/homilies, memes, etc. that alienate me from feeling a part of anything or worthy of being alive at all.

It got me to thinking – man, according to most Catholics, I might as well just give up… I am single, never married, unattractive, no children, no recognized vocation, and a boomer – worse yet, I do not have a job and I am now 60 (not old enough to be considered a “treasure”, but too old to be a part of most Ministries, according to most), I live alone, I do not own a house, and have no money or possessions to speak of.

Depending on the situation, I am told by words or actions: You do not matter, you have no right to an opinion, you belong to a generation that ruined the Church and the country, you are too old to do anything worthwhile, you cannot understand or communicate with the younger generation, you really cannot fit in with any group, you are a person with no sustainable or useful purpose, and, you are not important enough to waste my time.

Some of my old angst took hold for a minute. But then God reminded me:

I recently have been called upon to use my God given skills to help someone. I did not solicit the situation. Someone recognized my ability and asked me to help. Now this might become a new career for me. Although I never asked for money (and sincerely tried to refuse), I am being paid simply out of appreciation for my talents. I am being told there are many in the same situation as this person who would welcome the assistance.

That person who reached out to me belongs to my Parish. Recognizing that she learned about my talents simply through discussions at Church made me realize, I belong to a Parish that is making great strides toward considering the individual without prejudging based on age or status. It has taken a couple years for us to begin to turn that corner, but it is happening and not just for me. Yes, there are still times that I feel undervalued, but nothing like it was before our current Pastor and the “awakening” he is stirring throughout his various ministries, homilies, and actions.

There will always be those who refuse to look at the individual, are quick to stereotype, prejudge based on your age, clothes, car, jewelry, etc.. But as long as there are Priests and Parishioners like ours at St. Louis, there is hope and reason for us to never give up – even if we have to try harder than most to prove God can still use us and that boomer lives matter too! 🙂