Lessons Learned from Roy Gummerson and Mr. Foreman

Roy Gummerson is a name that has stayed with me.  He was my boss during the summer of 1967.  I was taking summer classes at Concordia Teachers College (Now Concordia University Chicago) and I needed a job for the summer.  Roy Gummerson was the superintendent at the River Forest Tennis Club.  I was hired by him to be head groundskeeper each weekday afternoon.  Roy was used to working with teens.  His regular job was a teacher and track coach at Oak Park – River Forest High School.   He was a great mentor, and often shared wisdom and insights.  He was also encouraging, but also quick to call me on the carpet if he caught a slip up.  I know he was often frustrated with me because I did not possess the “attention to detail” he expected. 

In contrast I had a supervisor the next summer who could not relate to me or my coworker.  During that summer I worked on a gas pipeline in Northern Michigan.  Our actual supervisor was based at the home office in Detroit, but on site we reported daily to the local foreman.  Fortunately, once we got our assignments we were on our own the rest of the day.   Unlike Roy Gummerson, I do not remember his name; probably by choice.    The foreman had no use for college students with different values, and work ethics.  While Roy Gummerson mentored, “Mr. Foreman” lectured.  Each the message was the same; “Kids are lazy, have no respect for their elders and sense of right or wrong.”  It was a very tumultuous time.  The assassination of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, both admired my most young people, were fresh in our minds and the tensions were between the generations were high.  It all came to a head at the Democratic Convention in Chicago where young people expressed their frustrations and the police responded with tear gas and nightsticks.  And each morning we were reminded of how the world was “going to hell in a hand basket” (First time I heard that expression).

The contrasting styles of Roy Gummerson and “Mr. Foreman” are worth considering as we contemplate relating to and working with Millennials.  We have a choice.  We can mentor or lecture. We can see them as colleagues or adversaries.  There is a reason I still remember Roy Gummerson’s name.  He respected me, and he also taught me a lot that summer. As for “Mr. Foreman,” I learned a lesson from him too: avoid people who do not respect you and what you have offer.   How will you be remembered by the young people in your life?

Mr. Hockey did not Need to Tell us He was the Greatest

We lost one of my childhood heroes last week.  Gordie Howe died at age eighty-eight.  His body was laid in state in the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, the city where he is still adored.  Ironic that while most of the attention was on the passing of Muhammad Ali, the death of the hockey icon was almost an afterthought.  I noticed.  To be honest, I was never a big fan of Muhammad Ali, but Gordy Howe was my idol as boy.  In my mind those were the glory days of hockey.  There were only six teams; The Canadians, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Bruins, Black Hawks and The Detroit Red Wings.  The rivalries were fierce, the quality of play high.  No helmets or goalie masks.  Terry Sawchuk was the Detroit goalie.  If he lost a tooth or needed stitches, he skated to the bench where he got patched up and then skated back in place.  When you talk about toughness, hockey players in the “golden age” of the sport might be at the top of the list.

Cassius Clay took the sporting world by storm, primarily because he was so good a promoting himself.  I do not recall another athlete ever being audacious enough to state “I am the greatest” when their career had barely started.  It always bothered me that he thumbed his nose at the government and avoided the draft.  It also troubled me that he converted to Islam and became so radically outspoken on the racial issue, the exact opposite of Martin Luther King.  True, he settled down later in life, especially after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Prior to that, his personal life was a mess; numerous marriages and many public affairs.  Not someone I want to emulate or who I would point to as a role model for kids.

Gordie Howe might have been the antithesis.  He continued to play professional hockey into his fifties, playing on the same team as his sons.  He was only married to one woman and I do not recall any negative rumors circulating regarding “Mr. Hockey.”  Until his wife died in 2009, they lived, and were very involved in the Detroit community.  He was also a devote Catholic and his funeral was held in one on of the great cathedrals in the Motor City.  I actually met Gordie Howe once.  He was the featured speaker at a men’s sports banquet at our church.  My dad and I arrived early in order to get a good seat and were surprised to see Mr. Hockey casually standing around talking with the kids.  As I recall he was very friendly and gracious, and almost blended in with the crowd. 

It has always troubled me when we put people with questionable lifestyle on a pedestal.  One of the key traits I look for is a sense of Christian values and some semblance of a faith life.  You learn more about a person by observing them away from the spotlight. I definitely have little use for someone who wants to tell me how great they are, or what they have done for me lately.   Mr. Hockey never needed to tell people he was the greatest.

A Lesson Inside the Ropes

I spent the Memorial Day Weekend serving as a volunteer marshal at the Dean and Deluca Invitational Golf Tournament.  This was the seventh time that I got to work the annual event held at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.  To people who have watched golf on television, the marshals are the individuals who hold up the quiet signs around the green.  From experience I can tell you there is so much more to it than that.  I am one to sixteen marshals assigned to the 17th hole.  We have responsibility from the landing area on the 17^th hole through the 18^th tee box.  In addition to keeping the gallery quiet, we spot drives and locate errant shots. Our crew also holds the signal paddle on the 18^th tee, letting the marshals in the landing area know where the ball is headed.   We also have responsibility for getting the golfers from the 17^th to the 18^th hole.  We work in teams of two and rotate regularly, providing a lot of variety to the experience.

For the most part, I totally enjoy my work as a marshal.  However, the hours can be long and often our schedule is controlled by the weather.  Example: Because of a delay on Friday, we were not done until sunset and it was almost 10:30 PM when I got home.  Because of our rotating schedule I needed to be back on duty by 7:00 AM Saturday morning.  On the positive side: I do get to view the game inside the ropes and during my off-duty time watch some great golf. 

There is one major frustration, however.  You might think it is the rowdy fans who struggle with self-control after drinking beer and being in the sun all day, but I can understand that. For the most part the fans are courteous and respectful toward the golfers.  The problem comes with one of the PGA’s rules.  The sanctioning body has a strict No pictures – No video policy.  As the golfers approach the green we are required to remind the gallery that they are to have their cell phones on silent and to not be taking pictures.  The annoying thing is people still have their phones up snapping away.  When the local hero and eventual winner, Jordan Spieth, was on the green I counted at least ten people with their cell phone out taking pictures.  You might think, it is kids who are trying to get away with something but you would be wrong.  Almost all of them are adults over forty, and in the case of Jordan Spieth, female.  When called out, most people admit they know the rule, but tell me the picture is for themselves and not to sell or even post online.  I remind them that a rule is still a rule and they need to delete an picture they have taken. 

I have to wonder, what kind of a message are we sending when we feel the rules are only there for other people, and we are the exception?  I hear a lot of older adults talk about how self-absorbed Millennials are, but I think I know where it comes from.  The Baby Boomer generation has not given them a good example to follow.  If it is to change it needs to start with me and you. It might be the "no photo policy" on the golf course or the speed limit on the highway; rules are rules and they are there for all of us.  

Millennials and The Bible

I do not remember when I received my first Bible.   I do recall taking a Bible to Sunday school somewhere around fifth or sixth grade.  One of those Sundays I was asked to read the story for the day directly from the Bible.  It was an awkward experience only because I did not have a lot of self-confidence at that time.  

I received a Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible at the time of my confirmation.  It was a gift from the congregation.  We had a choice,. Most of my classmates chose a prayer book and a few opted for a hymnal.  My parents were adamant that I ask for a Bible.  I did not question it at the time.  Only when I went off to college, still carrying that same Bible, did I realize the value of that gift.  I still have that Bible.  The cover has come off and the pages are tattered, but there is no way I will give it up.  We probably have over two dozen Bibles in our home, but that one is special.

For Christians, the Bible remains not just a sacred book but guide on how to live.  A recent report from the Barna Group seems to indicate that while most Millennials share those perspectives, not all the news is good.  I also view the Bible as the cornerstone on which my faith is built.  Only in the Bible is the story of salvation revealed. Jesus suffered and died for my sins.  He also rose again, conquering death and the devil.  Because of that I can live confidently.  I have the hope of eternal life.  Unfortunately, Most Millennials do not share that perspective.  For them the Bible is just a sacred book filled with lots of good advice.  As of the stories in the Bible, they might be ancient, but probably more myth than reality.

The Barna report indicates that many young adults view the Bible much as they do any other self-help manual.  For them it is like a membership in a health club.  It is a way to improve your lifestyle and make yourself a better person.  That leaves us with the challenge on how to get the Gospel message across to a generation that has been labeled Moralistic Therapeutic Deist. 

I maintain that the only way that can be accomplished is if we live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Preaching and moralizing does no good.  It can only happen we live as people of hope.  That is what we are called to do. 

The Most Influential Millennials

A few weeks back Time Magazine released their annual issue featuring the one hundred most influential people.  I always try to read the issue cover to cover.  I figure that while there are many I know, but the rest I probably ought to at least be aware of.  This time around I was amazed at the number of Millenials who made the list.  Again, there were some I knew and respected, golfer Jordan Spieth for example.  There were others, like ultimate fighter Ronda Rousey, who I am aware of but try to ignore.  Singer Adele was on the list.  I have been told by Millennials that I need to listen to her because is not only is she easy to listen to but a genuinely nice person and good role model. 

Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, made the list.  Mark Zuckerberg, probably more than anyone else, hastened the advance of social media when he started Facebook.  While I know of him, I was not aware of the role his wife plays.  Priscilla Chen is evidently a renowned pediatrician who has devoted her life to the health and well-being of children.  Together, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to take on challenges like improving education, curing disease and building strong communities.  Reportedly they have committed 99% of their sizable wealth to charitable causes.  They were both born in 1984, making them Millennials who are making a difference. 

Born in January of 1980, Lin-Manuel Miranda barely qualifies as a Millennial, but I would put him high on the list of influential people.  He has got young people excited about two things they typically are not passionate about; history and theater.  Lin-Manuel Miranda is the force behind the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.  He conceived, wrote and stars in the show, which is based on the life of Alexander Hamilton.  From a historical perspective, Hamilton was one of our nation’s founding fathers and the first Secretary of the Treasury.  We need more people like Lin-Manuel Miranda to provide Millennials and those who follow them with a historical perspective.

There is much that can be learned on multiple levels from the Millennial Generation.  I think all of us need to consider what we can learn from the young adults who live and work among us.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM RED LOBSTER?

I am an admitted seafood lover.  My favorite is grilled rainbow trout but I also enjoy the salmon I make on the grill (a little olive oil and lemon pepper, thank you!).   When we were in San Antonio over the weekend I chose Landry’s Seafood over Saltgrass Steakhouse.  In spite of my fishy passion, I cannot recall the last time I ate at a Red Lobster.  Evidently I am missing something.  Overnight Red Lobster has become the number one restaurant favored by Millennials.

Yes, you read that correctly.  The 23-34 crowd is flocking to the seafood chain.  Part of the trend can be traced to Beyonce.  I am not a fan (cannot say I would recognize one of her songs), but evidently Millennials are.  Seem Beyonce said the magic words, Red Lobster, in her song Formation.  Instantly Red Lobster became cool.  The seafood chain has also recently upgraded their menu to include “more substantial” dishes and locally sourced food, both desired by Millennials.  Red Lobster has also renovated locations to include communal tables that appeal to Millennials’ social mindset.  A couple of years ago Red Lobster was barely visible on the Millennial preference list.  Now they are on top.

If Red Lobster can turn things around, why can’t the church?  Like the Red Lobster of past years, the church barely appears on the radar for most young adults.  We are not a place most of them choose to visit with any frequency.  Things turned around when one person dropped their name.  I seriously doubt Beyonce intended to start a trend, but she did.  That is the power of the spoken word.  While none of us probably have influence of a “pop star,” we do have potential to have an impact.  Our words and our actions can speak volumes.  In other words we need to spend more time engaging in conversation with Millennials.  Don’t preach.  Get to know them and their world.  Show them you care.

Another thing Red Lobster did was change their menu.   They identified what Millennials wanted and gave it to them.  In my mind there is no more wholesome food than the Gospel.  In other words we need to do a better job of sharing the “Good News” and less time condemning their sins.  Our message of compassion and hope for the lost must be spoken loud and clear.

Lastly, Red Lobster altered their environment just slightly to make Millennials more comfortable.  Again, who should be better at providing a “communal table” than the church?  It starts with the sacrament, but needs to continue by providing a sense of community where issues can be discussed in a non-confrontational or judgmental manner. 

If Red Lobster can turn things around, why can’t we do it?

The Topic People Do Not Want to Talk About

Historically, religion and politics are the two things people do not want to talk about.  Considering our current political season I might question the later of those two topics.  It seems like many people want to converse on the candidates, although experience tells me it is out of concern and maybe even frustration.  If the current data from Pew Research is correct, religion might be the one topic people really do not want to discuss.   I am left to wonder why that is.  If indeed our relationship with God is so life-changing, why do we not want to talk about it.

I think there are three different approaches when it comes to talking about religion and our personal faith.  Many of us wait until the topic comes up, only then interjecting our faith perspective.  Others casually mention church activities, hoping someone might open the door for us.  The third group I think of as “the Bible thumpers.”  These folks quote a lot of scripture and often talk with disdain about the “sins of this world.”  It might even involve some finger pointing when they deem people need it.

I would like to propose a fourth approach.  Be Jesus, and let your actions do the speaking.  This really is not new.  It was St. Francis of Assisi who stated, “Speak the Gospel, and when necessary use words.”  When we show our compassion and concern for those around us we are truly being Jesus’ disciples.  In the process we might just open the door for a conversation.  That is what our Master did.  Sure he preached, but it was always to his followers or the curious who were there by choice.  When it came to the lost, he responded to their need and then used that opportunity to gently deliver his message. 

If we live as people of compassion and hope, somewhere along the line someone might comment on that.  They might even inquire as to how we are different.  They might even ask about the source of our ability to even respond to crisis with a sense of hope, rather than despair. That open door might be the opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ.

If some Millennials look with disdain on the church and those who affiliate with it, the only way to change that is to provide them with a different perspective.