Graduation Speech

Graduation Speech

I just mentioned in my previous post about graduating. I also talked about reality television and how people love the show because they can picture themselves as the Pseudo celebrities that are cast in the shows. Now that said, I sometimes feel like blogs also make us feel important like we have an audience even if no one reads them. That is why I am going to give my only graduation speech on here. Why? Well, I am not up for any awards that will let me give any speeches and I do love giving speeches. I will write this like I was giving a speech to an audience that includes everyone that knows me. In other words, if I was giving a speech before everyone I knew, I imagine it will go like this…

…Ladies and Gentlemen, first of all, I will like to thank you all for taking the time to be here today. Before I go any further, I will like to thank the most important person in my life but I was advised by Chris Rock before the Oscars not to because the BIG GUY is busy taking care of other more important things than my graduation like the Tsunami relief. However, He knows how much He means to me and for that I owe Him my life, literally.

I have been a part of Pittsburg State University (PSU), home of the Gorillas for the better part of the last 5 1/2 years. I have also been a part of Pittsburg, Ks. Both these communities have played a major role in my success as an individual. However, the most significant institutions in my life in those years have been members of my two families; The Church and my natural family. I would like to thank my parents for everything. You guys supported me financially, spiritually and emotionally the whole way through. You believed in me when I did not even believe in myself. You always thought me to work hard when I only wanted to work smart and wing the rest. I know you have had many sleepless nights on my behalf and for that I am eternally grateful.

I also want to thank all the guys that I have lived with through the years. You guys have no idea what you each mean to me in small but very significant ways. However some of you stand out more than others.

Nathan Arnold, while it is sad that you took a different path spiritually, I want to thank you for the Godly impact you made in my life. Your passion at the time was unmatched by anyone that I ever met up to that point. My prayer is that like Nebuchadnezzar, before your life comes to an end, you will repent and come back to the Christ who saved you.

Obi, thanks for blazing the path that your younger brothers now follow. It was really tough for our relationships for the first few years but I know that God has worked out a lot of the kinks.

Scott, it is great to see that the man of God that I lived with for two years is now a father of two boys. Your sons are going to prophesy just like you and will shake their generation like you will shake ours. Your passion has inspired me through the years to love and serve Christ

Justin, we will always be brothers true and true. We have battled together and against each other since the beginning but I have no doubt about the call of God on your life. Your service for your country in Iraq is only a preview to what you are going to do for the Kingdom. When you get back, we will war again.

Josh, we have been to 28 States together and someday we will build 28 churches together all over the globe. How? Not sure yet. Congratulations on your inevitable wedding to Jen. Oh, one more thing. What did we do in Vegas? My mind is still blank. I guess what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

LeBron, sorry, Ryan, what can I say? You are the whole package and our friendship has stood the test of diversity, different cultures and even far different personalities but since you have been here, you have been there when I needed a friend. I only hope that I can replicate what you have done for me. When I decide to build my house, you will be my foreman.

DHart, thanks for being one of the guys that continues to push me forward everyday. You are proof that a friend in need is a friend in deed. Andrea, you were there in the early days and I thank you for everything you did for me. Amber, Ellen, Sarah B. and Amy Paterni, you guys are proof that I am not that bad a guy once you get to know me and I am happy for that.

Kreighbaum’s, Travis’s, Lotterer’s, Sim's, Trinkle's, Angeles', Sterrett’s and of course the Hartman’s, I am not sure where I would be without you guys. Well, I am sure I would weigh a lot less than I do today. But serious, you all have been parents to me and Doug, your vision inspires me to want to build my life everyday around the kingdom.

Ames, you probably thought I’d consider skipping you because of all we’ve been through. Au Contraire! I don’t know how it all started or where it will end but I do know that you have added a lot of drama to my life over the last few years and I am sure you can say ditto to that. But, I look forward to more drama with you. You are truly special and always will be. You have the soul of a warrior and you have challenged every fiber in my being to fight for what I believe in. I hope in turn I can help mold you into who you are meant to be. I am still going to beat you to Italy. So many places to see there; Milan, Rome, Venice and the list goes on. If you want to come…

The rest of you whose names I did not mention, you guys have been awesome. Cordell, Kerry, Chichi (Ben to you Americans), Nene, Mekus, Debbie, and all my teachers over the years, thank you. I can go on forever. As I look into the crowd of you all and make eye contact with you, please understand that I do not skip any of you in my heart but this is already a heck of a long speech.

In conclusion, as I move on to the next phase of my life, I am sure that you guys will all be there for me and I will for you too. I have nothing but love for y'all. I owe you all the last five years of my life and hopefully many more. And as for what I am going to do next, I don’t know. Serve God for sure and hopefully travel the world.