They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three 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. The graduating class found a
unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the
court's approval.
Isn't this a wonderful story?