Why do our teens tend to focus their social media efforts in “hit and run” apps that do not seem to say anything such as Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, etc.? I mean my boys are all about making a statement and individuality. Yet, their electronic broadcasts are typically a picture or some meaningless phrase which do not communicate much of anything. On the other hand, I tend to blog, share moments with context on Facebook or Instagram, and tweet ideas that I find interesting, inspiring, ironic, or just plain silly. Who is really “living life out loud?”
This is a topic that has stumped me. It just never clicked with me—until 5AM this morning lying in bed. As I was thinking through my day, the phrase “living life out loud” came to mind. I really did not have a context, but thought it sounded cool and may be something fun to write about (file that one to examine later). The trash needs to go out; meeting at 10:30 I need to prep for; did I get all of the information into our systems from last week for work…all of those fun “real life” thoughts started. Then out of nowhere came the thought “Mark 6:2-4.” Interesting…I read the Bible from time to time, but have never really memorized any of it. I would consider myself fairly familiar with the Bible. But like a visitor to France trying to find the library in Paris, I am not able to identify where things are in the Bible or what books certain events take place. This was a first for me. So, I did what any other person that may of just had a brush with divine inspiration would do, I made a quick note in my phone and went back to sleep with no idea what those verses said.
After a cup of coffee, I found that the essence of these verses in my opinion is that Jesus preached in the synagogue of his home town, and those who heard him (I am going to assume who also probably knew him pretty well) took offense and scoffed, “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James. Joseph, Judas and Simon?” (NIV Life Application Mark 6:3).
OK, I get it now! Thanks God! Our teens put in all of that electronic effort because they do want to be heard and seen, they want to be thought provoking and provocative, and to put their stance and stamp on the world. Note: for the purposes of this piece, I specifically mean pre-college teens. Our “babies” may at times even have great wisdom and ideas to bring to the world, electronically or otherwise. Our children have learned that just as “…many who heard him were amazed” (6:2), airing their still-formulating beliefs and ideas will open them up to questions and possibly ridicule. Teens can be brutal and that time of life is when we acquired many of the callouses that supported us in being ourselves later in our lives. It is not something any of us cherished or had to go looking for to get regularly as a teen.
I have asked my teens why that picture, or that quip, or that little comment and get the standard “I dunno” (visualize a put-on sullen attitude to go with, of course). It is BRILLIANT. Instagram, Snapchat, group texts, emoji, for example are the perfect mediums to throw out “clues” or “hints.” It is the ultimate flirt—it puts out just enough of themselves to spark interest from like-minded teens that could lead to more substantive dialogue. Yet, it is obscure enough to not garner a ton of attention. It makes perfect sense. And to think all along I thought these social media outlets were conspiracies designed so our teens could be sneaky, or plan some gruesome anarchy.
Our teens will “live out loud” when they are ready, when they have the self-confidence to handle the potential of criticism and rejection. Until then, they will hopefully form some supportive friendships from others that pick up on their “clues” and they will do their best to “keep it real.”