Warm and pleasant greetings to all. We hope you are enjoying a good week.
Teenagers are busy getting back to the business of continuing education. Students are excited, and maybe parents more so. Some are leaving for the first time and others are off for the last year. Congratulations to you.
Now, those having two or three years to go may be thinking a little bit differently. When the time comes for what we call “moving out” to a place you call “my own place,” it is a different story and also one to remember.
We traveled eight years consecutively to New Orleans, where both children made Dillard University their choice. Here’s a few things I remember telling our young lady and young man:
• It’s OK if you’re homesick. That says home means something to you.
• You don’t have to stay if people, places and things are seemingly too much for you to handle and it makes you unreasonably uncomfortable. We are one telephone and six hours away. You know the number.
• You know you don’t have to steal or wishfully need to borrow. Treat your roommate with respect and consideration.
• You don’t have to be best friends, but do your best to get along on campus with those whom you come into contact, including the professors, those in charge and fellow students.
• We desire that you do your best. Let us know if you need anything. You are getting some things you want already.
Well it’s a long story and maybe would have become a best seller if I had written all this in a notebook somewhere as it happened. The memories are still fresh. I, and my children, too, have letters we have written and received from each other. Perhaps there is not much letter writing now.
May you have as many memories as we have to share and cherish.
Teenagers have many choices, options and decisions to make for themselves. Let’s pray we have taught them well and they have learned lessons from others in their life. I trust my teachings.
I’m reminded of a speech given to the youth at the Tallahatchie County District Association by the late Lucy M. Boyd, many years ago at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Tippo. The subject included the acronym C.O.D. (choices, options, decisions). She made several important statements vital to young students continuing their education and growing spiritually and intellectually.
Best wishes to all students exploring, experiencing and enjoying college/university life. You dreamed of this day and it’s here.
I take this opportunity, on behalf of the United Voices of Hope, to say we will long cherish the devotion and loyalty Evangelist Ruthie Crawford shared with us as a member of this singing group.
She truly loved the members and singing with the group. When practice ended, she always said to the group how much she appreciated being with us.
Her remarks were always encouraging and, at times, admonishing. Many times she stated the Lord put it in her heart to do a certain work and she would follow through. It was her joy to participate in the Christmas concerts. She surprised the group with a catered dinner after one of the concerts, along with a photo setup.
The memories are lasting. What a joy to have known such a lovely person.
Now, we wish all of you to “Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend.”
Enjoy today. Be blessed.
