The Sneeze

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost ... As grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.

The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student, Ryan Brown, walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. Achoo... He sneezed!!! From the group of graduates a handful stood to say: "GOD BLESS YOU... Ryan Brown smiled, nodded and walked of the stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

(It happened the 20th of May 2001 during the commencement exercises at Washington Community High School in Washington, Illinois)

A pearl to string: In Genesis 22, God made a promised to Abraham, saying, "In thy seed shall all the generations of the earth be blessed." Christ is that seed of Abraham, Paul says in the third chapter of Galatians. You can’t stop God’s blessing – the law can try – but creativity is God’s middle name.

You are dearly loved,
God Bless You,
Lyndi

Happy, Happy Graduation for all those celebrating this joyous milestone.