Youth in the Age of COVID

It has obviously been a trying time for all of us. If you asked what we thought 2020 would look like on January 1st, I guarantee none of us would have predicted a global pandemic. It’s something so far off the radar; nobody really knew what to do, or how serious it was. We looked at our leaders for guidance, they looked back at us, and we all gave a collective shrug before running to the store to buy a year’s supply of toilet paper.

But while the adults squabbled amongst ourselves, the kids were watching us. They watched as people turned on each other, started fighting in the stores for basic supplies, and saw the world they thought they knew quickly descend into the opening scenes of a bad zombie apocalypse movie, complete with press conferences where people in suits and lab coats said “we don’t know” and “stay inside.”

It’s hard to be a teenager. The perils of social media, bullying, drugs, alcohol and any number of other hazards are bad enough without an invisible virus threatening the lives of everyone.

I know adults are having a rough time as well - job loss, addiction, overdose, family conflict - but at least adults have some semblance of control over their lives. Our kids are just along for the ride on this one.

I don’t want to be dramatic, but in all seriousness, I feel like this pandemic has aged these young people by ten years or more. You can see it in their faces. They’re tired. Granted, they’re probably staying up way too late surfing Instagram, but still.

Their whole lives have been turned upside down. Any plans they had are out the window for the foreseeable future. Classes are online. Graduation ceremonies are cancelled. Sports are cancelled. Prom is cancelled. College tours are now “virtual” (as if that counts for anything).

A whole generation is being forced to grow up very quickly, and that will cause pain.

You might compare it to wearing shoes that don’t fit you, then going on a 20-mile hike. Your feet slip around inside the shoe so you can’t get good traction on the rocky path. Your ankles aren’t supported, so they twist and strain. The shoes pinch and chafe, so your feet get blisters. A trip that was supposed to be beautiful becomes agonizing, leaving you desperate for relief.

Jeremiah asked God for relief too. “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22)

It turns out, the answer is yes. There is a balm in Gilead; an ointment to relieve our pain. A spiritual Neosporin, if you will.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

I get some eye rolls and heavy sighs when I mention Jesus during these times. To many, it seems that God has finally thrown up His hands and left us to our own devices. We know this is not so.

This pandemic did not take God by surprise. Our young people were not placed here by accident. The pressure and heat they feel will not be wasted. We may already see the fruit of these trials.

Our youth are more disciplined. Taking online classes is many times harder than in-person classes. It requires intense time management, focus, and attention to details.

Our youth are more grateful. The joy of a hug or a handshake takes on new life. Sitting down for coffee is a blessing, not an inconvenience.

Our youth are more loving. They talk more. They connect more. They cherish peace. They embrace community.

Though we see God working in our lives through these hard times, this season is not over. And I have a suspicion our trials will grow in intensity.

Don’t forget the youth during this time. Keep talking to them. Keep reminding them about God’s promises; a promise for a future and a promise of love.

The pain they’re feeling has a cure. There is a balm in Gilead - a great Healer that will heal our land, our bodies and our souls. He has a name. Don’t be afraid to say it.

“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)