They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would not pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, " GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found an unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland.
Joel flew to Michigan over the weekend to attend Josh's (JT) College Graduation from Hillsdale College. Here is Grandma Joan having some fun with our Grad, while Josh's girlfriend, Lilly, looks on.
A Proud Dad, Joel with Josh-- the Grad.
The future Dr. Joshua T. Bowen Ph.D
