Theme 4a: Lost-and-found Narrative (Spiritual)

Overview

These are hopeful stories where Jesse, feeling lost in the digital chaos, reconnects with people and reality—often through an emotional experience with a religious or spiritual exemplar. Some stories focus on finding God (the religious versions), while others are about reconnecting with family and friends (the spiritual versions). These narratives suggest that while Gen Z struggles with isolation and tech distractions, they crave deeper connections in real life—whether with others, God, or the world around them.

Story Stem

All story submissions begin with the same story stem or prompt.

32 unread messages. Jesse put down the phone, frustrated. How would Jesse get through the next few days? Looking for answers -- or distraction -- Jesse picked up the phone and started watching videos.

One video caught Jesse's eye. A remarkable individual, talking about something religious or spiritual. Jesse couldn't quite make it out, but Jesse was interested and found something impressive, maybe admirable, about the person.

So, Jesse continued watching and . . . .