The Gift of Faith
Friday night. Baccalaureate for Regent’s School of Austin High School graduates. Shawntel and I went to watch Brennan, whose title from Junior to Senior was given to him because it was the last day of his Junior year. He would receive his stole from a graduating senior as a new senior at Regent’s. Baccalaureate meant “A Service of Evening Prayer”.
Shawntel and I teared up. We visualized Brennan’s high school graduation next year. We watched proud moms and dads catching the moments. We were catching the moments ourselves.
This was a beautiful and solemn night of gratitude, faith and honoring God for His tender mercies to these young people. First was the processional of all the faculty and advisors, then the Seniors wearing their gowns with their stoles on, followed in by all the Juniors in their matching jackets – moving to their designated seating areas.
The officiant, gave the invocation: “We gather together this evening to celebrate God’s tender goodness, the mercy He has shown us in Christ, and the blessings He has bestowed on us in our work together. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
The guest speaker stepped up to the podium. The speaker was Reid Ryan, President of the Houston Astros and the son of Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher. I was grateful I had my little notebook on hand. I thought: “This is going to be a memorable speech!” It was.
Right away, Reid asked the graduates: “Did any of you get a graduation gift yet?” No responses. He said: “Maybe you’re expecting a Ferrari. Anyone get a Ferrari?” No responses. “Did any of you get a 143-day around-the-world cruise?” No responses. “Did any of you get a cash gift of $250,000?” No responses. “Well, if you tally up the expenses your parents have paid for you to be in private school, sports teams, and the host of other expenses to get you here today – you will have received – over $250,000.”
“You have been given an incredible gift – especially to have been given a gift of attending a Christ-founded school to bring out your God-given abilities. Like Jesus, you have been given the gift of being raised like Jesus as it says in Luke 2:52: ‘And He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and people.’”
Reid went on: “This 12+ years have given you a great foundation. Luke 12:48 says “To whom much is given, much will be required. If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have been given. What are you going to do with the gifts you have been given?”
“You are an influencer. You have been social media influencers. Now, more than ever, your wisdom and talents are needed in this world. Our country, colleges, businesses need you as Christ followers and to be His influencers. Think critically. Live Biblically. Be that influencer – not just the seller of products or how many social media followers you have. ‘To much is given; much is required.’”
I was enamored with Reid AND Reid’s talk. He is an influencer. I am an influencer. You are an influencer. What kind of influencer are we?
Followed by Reid’s speech was the Stole Ceremony where each Junior stood in front of a Senior. The Seniors took off their stoles and placed them on the Juniors. The school head described the meaning. “The stoles commemorate how Jesus washed His disciples feet. Seniors, you, in essence are serving the Junior Class and anyone who crosses your path. Condescend to be like Jesus. And, Juniors, let the stoles prompt you to dedicate your life to be an influencer for Christ.”
Won’t you join me and those students to be an influencer for Christ, too?
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20