Through music, history, and personal experience, I explore the intersections of faith, doubt, and meaning. My writing reflects a Gen X perspective—questioning authority, seeking authenticity, and embracing the raw, unfiltered moments that shape who we are. Whether diving into the impact of a song, the complexities of belief, or the way our past informs our present, my goal is to engage in honest conversations about the things that matter.
This story is about a pivotal moment in my musical journey—when I began to carve out my own identity through music, stepping away from the influence of my mother’s rock ‘n’ roll legacy. Growing up, music was always present, woven into the fabric of our daily lives thanks to her deep love for the genre and her connections to the world that helped shape it. I absorbed it all, but it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a single 45 record that everything changed. That moment marked the beginning of my exploration into music on my own terms, a realization that I could define my own tastes and discover the sounds that truly resonated with me. It wasn’t just about finding a song—it was about recognizing music as a reflection of who I was and how I wanted to see the world. That record, that discovery, became the first step in shaping my own musical identity.
In this piece, I dive into the complexities of Gen X identity, questioning the conventional understanding of the generation. Through personal reflection and cultural analysis, I examine how many people who claim Gen X as their own may not fully align with its defining characteristics. Gen X is often stereotyped as cynical and disaffected, but the reality is more nuanced. I explore how its ethos—shaped by a unique intersection of cultural shifts, societal disillusionment, and personal experience—has influenced how we view authenticity, individuality, and collective identity. This piece encourages a deeper rethinking of what it truly means to belong to Gen X, challenging assumptions about the generation’s values and impact.
In this reflection, I explore my ongoing journey with faith through the lens of my Gen X upbringing and its music. Songs by Depeche Mode, XTC, Sparks, and Supertramp serve as metaphors for my struggles with belief, doubt, and the search for meaning. Rather than providing answers, these songs ask tough questions about life, suffering, and the nature of faith. Ultimately, my journey is one of questioning, seeking, and growing, while finding solace and connection in a welcoming church community.