thoughts
senior night 2001 speech
One bitterly cold Sunday evening, I was going to Calvary Baptist Church's evening services. I was just entering the chapel, when I came across a couple, college-aged but obviously older than me. They astutely noticed that I was alone and probably didn't know anyone there. The girl spoke. "How are you doing?"
I was taken aback. I hadn't really expected to have anyone speak to me in this church. I stammered out a reply. "I'm fine."
"Are you sitting with anyone?" A negative reaction later: "Do you want to sit with us?"
I was pretty relieved to have someone to sit with in what I considered a massive sanctuary. I couldn't remember being in a church that seated more than 200 or so. So I said "sure!" and made my way down the aisle with them. I took a seat beside the couple and listened to the guest speaker for the evening. After the service, as I was about to thank them for sitting next to me, turn, and make my way towards the door, the girl turned to me and spoke the words that would change my life forever: "Have you ever heard of the BCM?"
What seems like seconds later, here I am. That night was 5½ years ago, when I was a freshman. Now I'm one of the "old people" here. More words I can't believe I'm saying.
Over the years, I've learned a lot of things while in this building. Some of it was in this chapel, but not all of it. I learned a lot about different views on life. Some of the lessons weren't fun, and some of them were pretty painful. But all of them were worth learning. And they needed to be learned.
I've gotten to do things that I would have never done by being a part of this place.
- I've gotten the opportunity to sing and do drama in front of thousands of people. I'd never sung a solo before, and I'd never acted before I came to the BCM.
- I've gotten to do missionary work by doing construction. I'd never been on a mission trip before I came to this place.
- I've gotten the chance to minister to international students. Ozark, Alabama has no international people.
I've made a lot of friends in this place. The girl that I referred to before was Misti Atwood, the first person from the BCM that I met. Some of you know who she is. Of course, there are so many people that have meant so much to me over the years that I have been here. I could try to mention all of them and you, but I would run out of time before I could do it. You all know how I feel. If you don't, know that I love you all.
I've had a lot of good times here, and I've made a lot of memories that will last me a long time.
So what is left to say?
- First, cherish the time you have here. It's fleeting. Seize the day. Make every one of them count. This is your time.
- Cherish the opportunities that you have while you're here. Try new things.
- Cherish the people you know here. The friends you make here are ones that you'll know and keep up with for the rest of your life. They've seen you when you're at what you think are your lowest times. If they stand by you through all those, hold on to them. You don't get that many of that type of friend.
- Cherish the place that is here. This is a place of rest and of sanctuary. It's a place of worship. Use it. And tell people about it.
One more thing, and I'm done. About a week ago I received an email from a high school senior girl. She got my address off of the BCM web site, wrote me, and told me that she was interested in learning about the BCM. In her words, "I'm just a poor pitiful freshman who needs some help."
Much like someone I knew 5½ years ago on a cold Sunday night. I told her what I knew. And the circle goes on.
God bless you all.