(This will be launched at the Manila International Book Fair [MIBF], Sept. 11-15, SMX MOA. Come and meet the writers at the CSM booth on Sept. 11 at 4 PM. 'Twas grace that made me a part of its birth, bared in the Foreword. Won't you take a peek?)
Foreword
Polar opposites: that’s how I would define the Gen Y (millennials) and my generation (baby boomers), like cousins twice removed. They’ve never gone to bed without checking their smart phone; I’ve never risen from bed remembering where I left mine.
As a part-time college teacher for years, I interact with these digital natives (which now include Gen Z), up close, at least once a week.
Before every class, I create new, unique ways to engage them. Often I succeed, but often, too, I am clueless why they tune off. Their interests are on cyberspace; they love taking pictures of themselves; they have a lingo all their own; and their thoughts are out of my world.
I am actually describing you, tech-savvy reader, with wonder and fondness. I try (and oh, how I try!) to break into your psyche, but truth to tell, it takes a millennial to understand a millennial.
That’s precisely why this book was birthed.
It was an idea, an inspired one, of the young members of CSM staff. Their collective desire has been to encourage readers their age who might be dealing with issues drowned out by the noise of modern technology and innovation:
Letters, friendly letters on faith, hope, and love—in young voices that ring clear with empathy and understanding—would be written by millennials for their peers.
These letters would demonstrate that feelings need not be stifled and fears need not be silenced. They would declare that the Lord can send anyone a friend—whom he/she may not have met nor will ever meet—to walk with, through the rough patches of the daily grind.
As soon as the CSM management gave the green light for this book idea, the core group of young people put together the blueprint. The mechanics included a rigid selection process, a training workshop on the essentials of writing for the chosen writers, and a careful review of all selected pieces.
Fourteen would-be authors, all 30 years of age and below, made the grade. The editorial team invited me to work closely with these millennials for two long days—to further hone their writing skills, after which they were given a few months to craft their letters.
On these pages, then, are the harvest from those two days and long working hours, inspired by the Word and the writers’ personal encounters with God. These letters are not for my generation—they are for yours. In all of them you will recognize your essence (or perhaps even your soul) because they speak your lingo, echo your thoughts, and appreciate your issues.
