A Note to the Class of 2020

To all our graduates and everyone who needs to be reminded of this message...

You probably did not begin the school year envisioning it to end this way. (Frankly, nobody did). The school year has come to an end. But this is not the end. It’s not even the beginning like what everyone usually says at the end of a beautiful chapter. If anything, this momentous time in history (of what could’ve been your graduation day) reminds us that the root of many problems in our world right now has so many layers to unpack before we can even move on. We are still in the “between the now and the not yet.” But as you unpack it, peeling off each layer by layer, be careful to not fall into the easy traps of blame, lies, destruction, or judgment. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20) Listening comes before understanding. Understanding comes before taking the stand to become change agents. And as you become the next generation of change, stand firm in the faith, because honestly, you won’t make it far if you’re not grounded in Truth. Be humanly responsible and do your part and seek justice, but when it doesn’t come immediately, don’t be discouraged. Don’t forget, God is just. He will avenge. We are called to seek justice, but to my perfectionist friends out there, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t completely eliminate injustice. Start with where you are at. Do good, extend mercy, and walk humbly. Above all, put on love, because otherwise, you just sound like a noisy gong. And the world is noisy enough as it is.

Check out these recaptured moments of the past 10 weeks with our HUL students: