Grad Greatness – Grad Grandeur!

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill

CONGRATULATIONS on all you’ve done to get to your Graduation Day. Author Karen Moore designed What a Great Word for Grads devotional, to inspire your thoughts as you think about the ways that you hope to move forward from here. Each word is genuinely directed toward aligning your work, your spiritual growth, plus your hopes and dreams as you are molded and shaped into the person God intends you to be. Your faith will be the door that keeps you…content in the ups and downs.

Realize your great importance! The book is a tool to help process some of the past and work through any current crisis . Though our grads have had a shortened senior year because of Covid-19, what they’ve accomplished is honored here, in their family, and within their community. As a Mom of a high school senior, I dedicate this review and the time I’ve taken to carefully read its resource and pray the prayers in it, to all seniors, their parents, teachers, advisors, friends, and my senior- Bryson Draughon.

Dear SENIOR, Karen describes the square graduation cap as just one piece in the mosaic of the person you will become. Consider it as square number one, the one that jump-starts your life and opens new doors...she says: Norman Vincent Peale was a big possibility thinker. He said that it’s always good to “become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities- always see them, for they are always there.” Helen Keller said: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.”

Many of the prayers at the end of each chapter, have to do with navigating change, encountering obstacles, and adapting to new direction. Confessing any anxieties you may have about creating the best possible life, and trusting God will be there with you, helping you to achieve your life’s purpose. You are encouraged to put your dreams into God’s hands and get out there because you can do this! Pray this: “I pray that You will direct my steps as I discover more of the work I am meant to do.” Here’s another: “Help me to know You and Your truth in such a way that nothing can put a wedge between us. Keep me safely in Your care as I learn to differentiate Your voice from the voices of the world.” Lastly, “Thank you for giving me the grace to graduate and prepare for a new life ahead.”

Karen shares her insight in every page of the book. Whether it’s in facing new situations, meeting new people, or simply stepping up to do things for others you’ve never done before, you’ll be glad to be a person of courage. Dorothy Bernard said that courage is fear that has said its prayers. As 1 Corinthians 16:13 says “…Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.”

You may have already discovered that the world is not a protective parent. It will not pay attention to what happens to your heart — only God can do that, as you put your life in God’s hands. He designed you with a very special purpose in mind. May you embrace your new life with compassion…and excitement for all that is ahead…May you be able to personally declare this statement over your life: I worked hard and learned the things I needed to know to get to this day, and I believe I will be blessed beyond measure.

Remember: You are great. You are distinguished. You are you.

“Be brave! Be strong! Have courage!”

This book review is on behalf of FaithWords Books, Hachette Book Group.

For more encouragement, check out The Monday Mentor 2020 Facebook group where we’re happy to serve you with words of life, hope, and courage. It is God that provides us with encouraging truths and prophetic insights. Therefore, THIS is our season. declare “This is my season!”

-Courtney D.