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As I stood before my friends and fellow community members, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. Ms. Johnson’s introduction was short, sweet, and to the point, but it also prompted me to reflect on this incredible opportunity to stand here and share my thoughts with you. At times, I even wondered if she was describing me because, although I’m not the tallest, I might be the sweetest. Nevertheless, it is a privilege to be here today, and I hope that what I have to share resonates with you all.
A Gathering of Thanksgiving and Faith
This afternoon, as we gather, I ask us to bow our heads in prayer for all that has been done, all that is currently happening, and for the future that lies ahead. The words from the letter of Paul to the Philippians echo this sentiment: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. We gather here not just for worship or thanksgiving but to celebrate the achievements within our community. It’s a pleasure to witness familiar and new faces alike, all contributing to this family-like environment, much like my own experiences growing up in a Methodist school in The Bahamas.
The Unintended Grace of Education
Education holds a complex history, especially when viewed through the lens of colonialism. Despite its origins in promoting social control and maintaining the status quo, it evolved into something far more. Those early missionaries couldn’t foresee the unintended yet profound impacts that education would have on future generations. Today, you are doctors, lawyers, engineers, and professionals thanks to this education. And though education wasn’t always provided with the purest of intentions, God’s grace transformed it into a vehicle for unexpected opportunities and growth.
Faith: More Than a Personal Capacity
Moving forward in faith is the theme of our gathering today. C.S. Lewis poignantly described faith as holding onto what reason once accepted, despite changing moods. Faith isn’t merely a badge we wear but a deeply empowering force that compels us to rise above the day’s challenges. Our journey in faith is less about us and more about who God is and what He can accomplish through us. A retired Bishop I respect spoke of faith as a window—its size doesn’t matter, but rather its direction. Our belief, much like a window, should face the right direction, focused on God.
Pressing Forward Despite Challenges
Our journey is never without difficulties. Organizational challenges, personal doubts, and the weight of past struggles can sometimes cloud our path. Yet, as Paul wisely advised, we must press on, forgetting what lies behind. The focus should always remain on God, who commands our faith. The work we do, both outwardly and internally, is part of this journey, intended not just for personal reward but for the benefit of those who will come after us.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Reflecting on the path ahead, we may not always have clarity. Anyone with young children knows the excitement of a looming trip—a sensation we can liken to our spiritual journey. Sometimes God reveals only enough to encourage a few steps forward. Trusting in him and in his plans for us requires walking by faith, not by sight. Our efforts today, whether seen or unseen, create pathways for future generations—an enduring legacy only God comprehends.
In closing, consider those who will benefit from your efforts long after you are gone. They may not grasp the full impact now, but God knows every contribution you make. For all these things, and more, we say, “To God be the glory.” Amen.