A Third Graduation Quote!
- Debbie Christopher
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
By Debbie Christopher ~Back in May, I attended our grandson’s college graduation ceremony—and sure enough, I came away with a third graduation quote! (See links below)
I quickly connected this graduate’s very appropriate words with a familiar verse, except I applied it backwards! How does one apply Scripture backwards? Stay with me here…
This young lady began her speech with such common phrases as, “I graduated!” “I finished!” “I did it!” But, she quickly added that those were not accurate phrases. She did not accomplish those feats by herself. She acknowledged all the friends, loved ones, and mentors who helped her make it through the past fours years…and longer! She took this moment to celebrate them. “We did it!”
As she concluded her thought, she admitted she didn’t see it that way at first, but as she looked back (good ol’ hindsight) and reflected on her journey, she quickly realized a final thought. She concluded with, “Clarity doesn’t always come at first…growth does!”
What a concept! Clarity and hindsight come with maturity and experience—in other words—growth! Clarity and hindsight allow us to see the truth behind our journey.
Consider how we begin a difficult, scary, or anxious journey. We rightfully quote Philippians 4:13 and take the first step, then the second, then the third…and we move forward. But do we truly recognize Christ’s role? Do we notice those He places in our path to help, support, and encourage us?
This young lady’s sweet, humble speech made me look at this verse backwards.
How often do we, once our particular journey has come to an end, stop, reflect, and say, “I (we!) did it…through Christ who strengthened me”?
Kudos to this young lady who, unknowingly, caused me to think a little bit differently!
~Debbie
Student Speaker..Missouri State University, May 8th, 2026 (1PM) ceremony
Links to two previous posts from graduation speeches….
Yes, her speech was great!