ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 7, 1996 TAG: 9612090011
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARGARET B. CALDWELL
MY FIRST response to Erik Ranberg's vitriolic Dec. 2 letter to the editor (``How about a swift kick for all the whiny baby boomers?'') is to recall that rebellious, irresponsible, self-indulgent behavior is nothing new.
It has existed since Adam said: ``The woman you put here with me - she gave me some fruit and I ate it.'' Then Eve answered, ``The serpent deceived me, and I ate it.'' Don't forget Cain, who retorted to God: ``Am I my brother's keeper (Genesis 3, 4 )?''
The Bible makes it clear that each of us sins and is held accountable by a blessedly merciful, just and perfect judge who stands ready to forgive and redeem.
Ranberg speaks of rebellion. In the history of the world, rebellion has led to religious, political and civil freedom, as in the Protestant Reformation, American Revolution and civil/human-rights movements. It has also led to oppression, as in the Communist revolutions and drug culture. The writer of Ecclesiastics wrote the truth long ago: `` there is nothing new under the sun (1:9).'' The world around us changes, but human nature doesn't.
Ranberg's letter reveals he also sees part of the picture. Some in every generation live like those he describes in his diatribe. However, the ``baby boomers'' I know do not fit his mold. Most of us finished high school, college or graduate school with our faith, trust and work ethic intact, and have continued to mature. Let me introduce you to a few of my friends from 35 to 50 years of age.
There's my best friend, my husband, who visited his mother five days a week for 20 years until she passed away. He is faithful, honest, conscientious; a loving and supportive husband, father, church member, employee, volunteer. He makes wooden crafts, and gives them as gifts. He has spent three weeks in Africa on a volunteer mission team, putting roofs on four churches. These are just a few ways he gives of himself.
Another friend didn't work in his intended career after college. He came home to help his parents in the family-owned business. He compassionately stood by his mother through 10 years of cancer, and delivered the most touching eulogy at her passing. His father continues to receive his help. He helped start and has ministered 15 years in a Sunday school class with developmentally disabled adults. This man has served others by feeding homeless people, on a mission trip, and by consistently dropping what he's doing to meet the real needs of friends and strangers. He married late, becoming a wonderful husband and father.
Among the other dedicated teachers of all ages in the same Sunday school class is a ``boomer'' couple. She has mild multiple sclerosis and he has epilepsy. They also volunteer at the local hospital and nursing homes.
By the way, I have never heard these people complain.
I could go on listing other unselfish men and women - professionals, ministers and laborers who work with children, teens and adults in their church and community on their own time. They sit down to meals with their children. They care for aging parents. Those baby boomers struggle to pay $10,000 per year college costs, for music lessons, and still put something away for retirement. They have voted in every election and spoken before local governing bodies. They show up for parent-teacher conferences and their kids' sporting events. My friends go with their children to church, pray, take seriously their responsibilities to teach their children by example and word, and live their faith. My first challenge to Ranberg is to find people like these in his church or synagogue and community.
One question haunts me about his complaining, condemning letter. Why is he so angry that he ``can't wait for boomers to die in the streets''? In my experience, beneath that kind of anger are fear, pain, hopelessness and depression. His anger sounds personal. Perhaps some boomer in his family has hurt him deeply. Is he aware how much that level of anger hurts him emotionally and spiritually? Does he not know that God has admonished us all? ``For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:1).''
The only sure remedy I have experienced for exorcizing anger is in Christ's word to love and pray for those we dislike, including those who have wounded us. He commands us to mercifully forgive ``seventy times seven.'' So my second challenge to Ranberg is to read the story of the lost son and loving father in Luke 15.
People may encourage or discourage us. They may bring us hope or despair, joy or pain. When wickedness seems to prevail, and the world seems to be crashing around my ears, my trust and hope are in the Lord who has already overcome the world. I know he is in control. God will bring his redemptive will to pass.
Ranberg wishes a destitute death to baby boomers. That isn't God's will for anyone. Does he know the healing peace and freedom that come with a relationship with Christ? My wish for him is life in this Advent season and in the new year.
Margaret B. Caldwell of Martinsville is a substitute teacher in the Henry County schools and a Baptist curriculum writer.
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