April 20 was a great day.

It was a day to celebrate.  And I got to be a part of it!

Normally, I am not a big fan of 4-20.  Neither marijuana nor Adolf Hitler are a reason to celebrate.  Both have wreaked havoc over our society and hurt many.  So normally, 4-20 is a day that I try to avoid talking about.

But not yesterday.

Yesterday changed my mind.

And gave me hope.

And reminded me that we have something great in our future.

And a 20 something reminded me of that.

As I sat in amazement in Grand Canyon University and watched a celebration of graduates, I was truly amazed.  Worship songs were played, prayers were spoken, God was given glory, and our national anthem was played.  All were represented—all races, all social classes, all who could stand up and put in the work.

It looked like the place where my dad and mom raised me:  Born into poverty, they overcame more adversity than many of us could ever face.  And they succeeded.  And they represented.  And they taught.

They are gone now.  And in the glory of God.  But their granddaughter … she stood in honor.  And she received a diploma.  And she spoke the words of the great nurse Florence Nightingale:

In full knowledge of the obligation I am undertaking, I promise to take care of the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess without regard to race, creed, color, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and to promote health.

I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients entrusted in my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me and refraining from any action which might endanger life or health.

I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health team.

I will do my utmost to honor the international code of ethics applied to nursing and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.

School was not easy for Jayci.

She had sleepless nights.

She monitored and mentored students who needed help.

She got “punted”, as she would say, many times.

But she stood up, and stood strong, and became an Overcomer.

Revelation 3 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 

The Father is my Creator.  He made all things and He is my Dad in all times.

Jesus is my Savior.  He gave me the right to become a child of God and died willingly to pay for my sins.

The Spirit is my Counselor.  He reminds, and prompts, and directs.

But my wife, and my daughter — they are my Heroes.

In The Name of the Father and the 

Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

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Coach J