Truth

Truth. Where have you gone?

I went through a time in my life in which lying became second nature. I lied as part of an elaborate self-protection mechanism and justified it as a necessary coping skill, which I am sure it was. However, I hated myself for my lies, and I resolved that if and when my life could be turned around, I would never lie again. My life turned an abrupt corner many years ago and I have tried to hold to my resolution. Perfection is impossible to a human, but I can say that I have not allowed myself to slip back into the world of lies.

But now it seems that I am surrounded by a world habituated by liars. The political world is the obvious mecca, with dark vitriolic fables spouting daily from the mouths of the elected. It sickens me. I want to respect something. Someone. Is there not one among us who can rise above? Not yet.

The lies seep out from halls of Washington and spread to the dreary populace. Even our churches are not spared as the race to become the new hip and cool mecca for today’s fickle generation continues. How many pastoral souls have been sold in the quest for earthly power? The path to greatness is littered with the discarded bodies of the disheartened.

I am a member of the social demographic Generation X, a populace born post-Vietnam, coming of age during a time of relative peace. Those of the new, or Next, generation are referred to with the brilliant title of “Generation Y”. Brilliant. While Gen Xers were known for our lackadaisical attitudes, slouching, and Nintendo skills, we have grown to become world leaders in business and new technology. Many of us are parents of the new generation. I amuses me to see how these “generations” are named, categorized, and associated with certain group behaviors. But apparently there is a method to the madness.

Generation Y is said to be looking for something “real”. Mark McRindle of the Australian Leadership Foundation writes,
        “Not only must our communication style be credible, but we must be also. They don’t expect us to know all about their lifestyle, nor do they want us to embrace their culture. They are simply seeking understanding, and respect. If our communication has a hidden agenda, or we are less than transparent, it will be seen. This generation can sniff a phony from a long distance.” 

We have all heard this. Millions of dollars have been poured into marketing research on how to reach this group. Barak Obama’s election was a testimony to the power of this group’s influence upon the direction of this country. They heard his message of hope and change and…believed. And what now? The successful campaign seemed to be aimed directly at the hearts and minds of the young who believe that anything is possible and believed in the “truth” that was preached to them. Having engaged in the process, they have watched the political machine and begun to see the truth of it all–politicians will do and say whatever it takes to remain in power for their entire lives if necessary. And now…has Generation Y disengaged?

It matters not the label of our generation. We all want Truth. Either we seek truth or we disconnect, assuming that all around us are the facades of deception. Either we accept the wall of lies, or we break through, seeking the white light of Truth. We all want something real.

How can we change the world? How can we turn the black tide of lies. I believe we can do so one man, one woman, one child at a time. We make a choice, “As for me and my house” we will live in the light of Truth. We will live by example; we will not accept the dark path. We will teach our young to speak in truth, no matter the cost. For in the end, what gain is the world should we lose our souls?