Hurray for the Older People

I'm pleased to be able to communicate with all of you through the Emergent blog. I've been a part of Emergent for over 5 years and can't tell you how it has been a breath of spiritual life for me. You all are the people who keep me sane.  Thank you!

But I wanted to dispel the sense that Emergent is only for the young. While I'm not ancient by any means -- I am old enough to be the mother of some of you. But for those of you who read this and find yourself getting closer and closer to the Social Security (maybe!) check -- take heart-- Emergent is for you, too. I want you to feel that you have something to contribute and that Emergent wants you, too.  One of the marks of true spiritual community is the presence of several generations. We learn so much from each other. Spiritual formation takes place when we rub up against people who are different from us in culture, ethnicity, and age.  I would never want Emergent only to be made up of people in their 20's and 30's. We're for all of you. Emergent is a spirit. Emergent is a developing world view. It's not a generational thing.

I hope to meet many of you next week in San Diego and later in the Spring in Nashville. And look forward to continue to chat with you about the things on my heart through this blog.

Blessings!

Ivy Beckwith

Comments

[Sivin Kit]

Prost! (German) Cheers! YamSing!(Cantonese!) for Ivy's punchline "Emergent is a spirit. Emergent is a developing world view. It's not a generational thing." And I'd like to add it's not necessarily a "geographical thing" either :-)

[Bill Roberts]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm over 50 and have been greatly encouraged through the books and blogs of people who identify themselves as "Emergent." Thank you so much for the welcome and the gracious words.