Graduation

I was part of an amazing church ceremony. It was graduation morning and surrounded by friends, family, and the smell of egg bake, we celebrated Amanda's graduation. In her living room, sitting in a circle we praised God, thanked Him for giving us such a shining star, and set her on her way into this world where we all know that she will be a Light Barer.

We started with music. Chris and I leading the singing on Open the Eyes of My Heart, a tune that we did at every G-squared. That is very fitting since Amanda was at every G-squared and in fact was often a vital part, leading prayer, reading Scripture, or sharing her testimonial.

After this, Calla Johnson gave a message directed towards Amanda but received by us all. The meaning? Jesus Christ's love is a force that is unstoppable. The world is hurt by sin and there are people chosen by God to be the love and to shine in the darkness and help people stop hurting.

"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14, 16

We all shared moments when we were with Amanda where the Lord's love shined through. There was at the Veteran Stand Down when she touched the heart of a homeless veteran and the Lord started working in her heart. There was the experience on the West Virginia Mission Trip where she saw a miracle. There was at the Open Door Mission when we met Kevin and saw Grace working in him like an atomic bomb. All of those moments were times when God was showing her something important... that He is alive and amazing and accessible today. Amanda, shaped by those events just doesn't believe this... She lives it. She always reminds me the power of prayer- not passive prayers like thank you cards to God, but powerful prayers like a hammer striking an anvil.

Amanda has been shaped by trials as well. She has lost people dear to her, had her life changed by divorce and lived through attacks from the evil one. This past year she has handle with faith and dignity events that people twice her age wouldn't have handled. Why did God allow her to endure these things? Calla purposed that He is preparing her to face great challenges in the future. Serving the Lord is NEVER easy. Enemies try and strike you down every chance they get. But God is there in the dark times just as close as He is when there are miracles and triumphs. And that she has taken to heart. She is ready for trials.



Next we all formed a circle around Amanda and laid hands on her. We prayed for her, thanking God for getting to know her, bidding that He watch over her and keep her safe, and reminding her that we are always there for her. It was amazing.

Finally, Calla next played Lifesong by Casting Crowns and dedicated the song to Amanda.



We all know that the Lord has special plans for her. We have been blessed to share some time with her on her walk with the Lord. It was a very special ceremony for a very special person at the end of one stage in all of our lives.

Go with God and do amazing things, Amanda. We have you back!