On November 14, 1996 my world was rocked. For the first time in my life I experienced unconditional love. Most people equate this to marriage, and they would be wrong. Marriage is full of expectations of the other person. When a child is born however, there are sometime no expectations,just love. This was true for me.
Sarah Delanie Owens was my introduction to unconditional love; My first connection to really understanding Jesus Christ’s love for me.
That November evening a grayish red creature that reassembled E.T. at the moment, captured my heart.
She was named Sarah for Sarah in the Bible and my Grandmother Sarah. Both strong willed determined women of faith.
Delanie came from a Jimmy Buffet song, “Delanie Talks to Statues…” A name that we felt combined “faith in reality”.
Today my little girl graduates from High School and prepares to start her college years. The time has flown.
I am a blessed and pleased father. Here is why:
Sarah has stayed committed to the task of school with extreme self-discipline. This has earned our respect and honor. Further her dedication has earned her an incredible scholarship to Texas Wesleyan.
Sarah has remained committed to the faith and a life of discipline. It is no small thing to exhibit a life of Christian faith and purity in our age. She was born in the midst of post-modernism, but has resisted the pull of pan-everythingism “everything goes”. Of this her mother and I are most pleased.
We are all given opportunities, and Sarah has made the most of those presented to her. She took a nice camera and turned it into a business that has earned her well more than I made after my first year after college. She starts college with the goal of understanding the dynamics of business so she might combine it with her passions.
Sarah you have lived fully 1 Timothy 4:12. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
So I share with you my extreme pleasure as a father.
Only one thing exceeds my pleasure in Sarah’s commitments…those of my wife. My wife has given her life to our children in a world that would mock her choice. Danae sacrificed the pursuit of her career to invest all she had in the lives of two individuals placed in her life. Two incredible cords, the Lord and Danae, hold the fiber of our family together. If you are a young woman trying to decide between a career or being a full time mom, there is only one choice. No material wealth is worth leaving your children to the world. Danae you are simply incredible.
So here are my words to Sarah upon her graduation:
Way to go little girl!
Live a life of directed passion. Celebrate success quickly and return to the tasks of the hour. Expect the best while planning for the worst. Don’t remain discouraged long. Invite everyone around you on your journeys. Work hard – play hard. Save some money – spend some money. Love the unloved. Serve the weakest. Do for those no one else does. Aim for the eternal. Know Christ and make Him known.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
With all my love and affection,
Dad