A "Mannerly" Appeal To Generation Y

Being raised to be a southern gentleman I was taught to embrace manners. "Please" and "thank you" were not necessarily appreciated but expected. I was taught to acknowledge people in their accomplishments and to gently confront them in their indiscretions. Not only did my parents take on this monumental task but they also relied on a few select others to assist them in this endeavor. In my parents' occasional absence I was attended by a fine southern widow lady named Mrs. Wolfe. Even as a child I pictured her as always wearing white lace gloves with her day dress and never having visitors see a chair in her house without a lace doily on it. I never really saw her in a pair of lace gloves nor a lace doily on her chair but knew that in my absence that was how she lived. She, with my parents, shared in the responsibility of shaping me to be a mannerly young boy and in spite of all their best efforts I am sure felt defeated quite often. Nevertheless, today as an adult I count myself as one of the fortunate people in the world to have a mannerly air about them. I am careful to try my best to be gracious and am blessed with a patient (and beautiful) wife who often covers my mannerly shortcomings. I suppose due to the blessing of mannerly influence in my life I feel compelled to make a mannerly statement to generation Y. I give this background to say to generation Y: "I am sorry." I say this with all the sincerity I can possibly muster from the depths of my soul.

Some may wonder what I am sorry for. Many look on generation Y as one of the most blessed generations to ever live in America. They have been raised with more societal advances and more personal luxuries then any before them. However, I feel my generation (and the generation before mine) has greatly let down generation Y. Here is a partial list of some of what I am sorry for:

- For allowing the world to try and convince you that politicians will save you from your situation. Jesus is the hope. (Revelation 11:15)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you to accept the sin and the sinner. Love the sinner but hate the sin. (1 Peter 3:9)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you that abortion is OK. How can we begin to think that our nation can be fully blessed when we allow the senseless murder of over 3700 unborn babies a day. God values ALL life. (Jeremiah 1:5, Proverbs 6:16-19)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you that homosexuality is acceptable. It is not. (Leviticus 18:22)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you that Jesus is not the only way. There is ONLY one way to get to heaven and that is through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your savior. (John 14:6)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you that material possessions are all you should strive for. You truly can't take it with you. (Luke 12:15, Luke 12:20)
- For allowing the world to try and convince you that it is OK to watch trash on TV and the Internet. It is not. (Philippians 4:8)

For all this and more I apologize. The list could go on but I will stop. Now allow me to make another "mannerly" appeal. Please do something about all of it! Please leave the generation that follows you a world that convinces them of Jesus' love and the rewards of pursuing a Godly life. I know you can do it. And before I forget (apologies to my parents, my wife...and Mrs. Wolfe) - Thank you.