My Baccalaureate Speech

I apologize for the blurriness Good Afternoon Class of 2013, friends, family and anyone who doesn't fit under those three categories. It is a privilege to have these few moments with you before we end this chapter of our lives and begin our new beginnings. We have accomplished many wonderful things in our short lives. Just like I have, You've learned to crawl at a young age. You eventually learned to put one foot in front of the other and walk. After many failed attempts, you finally learned how to feed yourself without getting food all over you momma's kitchen. You learned to ride a bike and play a sport and to some of my less active homies out there, you've reached that high score on that video game. You've learned how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, even though some of your test scores might suggest otherwise. You've learned what it meant to be a friend, and unfortunately, what it meant to not be a friend. In only a few short years on this earth, you have already accomplished so many wonderful things that you will forever cherish. And now you sit here in these chairs today about to face the greatest accomplishment of all, GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL Before we leave good old M.A. for the last time I want to share with you all two things. First, God isn't finished with us yet. He wants to used us to make a difference. First Timothy 4:12 says: Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. You have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. When you see someone in need, go help. When you hear about or see someone who is socially awkward, be their friend. When someone is having a bad day, say something nice to them or offer them a smile. Show people who feel as though no one cares, that you care. Love with everything you are. Buy someone a cup coffee. If they don't drink coffee, buy them a coke. If they don't drink coke, buy them a bottle of water. Just be there for other people without expecting anything in return. Let them know you care by your actions. Every time you do this, you help to make a difference in the lives of others. And Secondly, Glorify God in all you do. Philippians 4:13 says: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God is great because He is selfless, and is quite literally, Love. He didn't have to create this beautiful world, or us, but He did. He continually loves all of us no matter what. God sent his son Jesus to die nailed to a cross for dorky Rebecca and you as well. God is a greater artist than I will ever be. He sees each and everyone of us as a masterpiece. He's the maker of all the beauty in this universe and his love for us blows my mind. So wherever you find yourself in life, glorify God. When you're hanging out with friends and doing stuff that only seems like a good idea, for example: riding in a shopping cart down a hill into a tree, even during those moments, glorify Him. He is our foundation and He give us strength to accomplish smallest things we do to the the biggest and most meaningful. So Thank you Lord for helping us survive high school and making it to graduation day Thank you.