Shine Brightly
- Debbie Christopher
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By: Debbie Christopher~based on a recent graduation quote—
Back in 2022 when our first Grand graduated from high school, his principal shared thoughts on the importance of choices. He included a quote that prompted me to write the ‘Choices’ blog soon afterwards.
Fast forward three years to our second Grand’s graduation from the same high school. The same principal shared another great quote that I hastily typed into my phone.
The theme of his graduation speech for 2025 was ‘Shine’, and it fit our sweet girl perfectly.
Through the years this has been a special granddaughter/grandmother theme for the two of us. It started when I was working on a project about ‘light’. As part of the project, I asked each of our five grands what they thought the word ‘light’ meant. Her answer went in a totally different direction—and, yes, my ‘Light the Way’ blog was based on her deep response. Her response: “Like someone who walks with and guides us through life.” (Of course this young teenager had to start her answer with the word ‘like’. )
A few years later, her new youth pastor adopted Matthew 5:16 as the theme verse for the student ministries group at our church.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16 ESV
To keep with the personal theme between us, I started adding ❤️🔦❤️in our daily “I’m praying for you” texts to remind her to shine brightly.
Yep, lo, and behold, Dr. Powers concluded his 2025 motivational message to the Class of 2025 with this quote.
“Be brave enough to shine!”
Shine, girl, shine! Grandma loves you!
I trust this encourages each of us to shine brightly!
See post-script below for a specific application of this thought.
Be brave enough to shine…
~Debbie
Post-script—
I intentionally chose to post this particular blog this week as we approach Labor Day weekend since ‘Shine brightly’ sums up all the reflective adverbs discussed in my Labor Day posts from the past few years. The hyperlink will connect you to last year’s which includes hyperlinks to the previous three.
Working Enthusiastically
Working Joyfully
Working Graciously
Basically, are we shining brightly at work? I encourage you to return to work next week ready to
Work enthusiastically
Work joyfully
Work graciously
Work humbly….and above all…
~Shine brightly ~
~Debbie
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