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 he
delivered
his speech.....an astounding sneeze.
The
rest of the students rose immediately to their feet,
and in unison
they said,
"GOD BLESS
YOU."
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.
GOD BLESS
AMERICA!
