Published: June 18, 2008 04:35 pm            

Graduates given a charge: Be a hero

By JARROD SPENCER

McLeansboro Church of Christ

Inside each one of us is a hero. One who will persevere in difficult times. One who will lift others up when they are down themselves. One who has a passion to see that companies or communities change because of a vision they possess.

Heroes aren’t determined by the superficial qualities one possesses, but by the qualities that make up the character of the individual.

As I gave this charge to the 2008 graduates of Hamilton County Senior High at the Baccalaureate Service on May 18, I not only wondered who would be the heroes that emerged out of this class, but in what ways they would become heroic.

The spiritual message was couched around part of Moses’ story. Most know that Moses parted the Red Sea, through God’s supernatural intervention, to give the Israelites a way of escaping from the Egyptian army.

However, some may not know that Moses did not originally desire to be their leader. When God approached Moses at the burning bush and told him he was going to lead, Moses felt afraid and incapable.

Though Moses made excuses and saw the task before him as seemingly impossible, he still emerged as a hero. He had the privilege of leading as many as 2 million people out of bondage and into freedom.

We all have opportunities to “lead” others, which may cause us to make excuses, just like Moses. We might think, “I’m not good enough” or “No one ever listens to me.”

However, making excuses only prevents us from becoming the hero that we’re given the opportunity to be.

There were just over 300 in attendance for this year’s Baccalaureate Service, around 40 from the senior class. The prayers and reading of Scripture were all conducted by those from the senior class.

Kyle Ragan opened in prayer and Brian Harland closed the evening in prayer. Brandon Miller, Aribi Auten and Veronica Shelton read Scripture during the evening.

The Christian Chapel Praise Band led the main part of the music, while Connie VanWinkle and Chuck and Judy Varner of First General Baptist Church performed one song.

I was totally impressed by the attendance that came from the senior class and from the community! It was great to see you all come out to attend this event!

We are certainly blessed to be permitted to have our Baccalaureate Service on school grounds. Jeff Fetcho, the high school principal, Vince Mitchell, superintendent, and the Unit 10 School Board provide tremendous support.

Remember, inside each of you is a hero. How will you be heroic?

• Jarrod Spencer is the minister of the Church of Christ in McLeansboro. You may contact him via e-mail at ichthus_man@hotmail.com.

        

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