Editorial

EDITOR'S NOTE: On May 20, friends and family gathered to celebrate my daughter's high school graduation. We are grateful to those who attended, a significant number of whom are members of our wonderful church family—GracePointe Baptist Church, a year and one-half old church plant in St. Augustine. My comments to Lauren are reprinted here to honor her at this key time in her life.

One of unique things about homeschooling is days like today—there are no commencement or baccalaureate services, no senior proms or trips, no cap and gown, no honor society—none of the recognition afforded those who graduate in the more traditional school settings. It's one of the few things about our choice to homeschool Lauren and Andrew that I miss for them. Lauren doesn't get her day in the sun to have her name called out for this moment of achievement.

That's why this day is very special to my wife, Linda, and me—and Lauren. In a very real sense, this is her commencement ceremony. Linda and I are grateful that you would take time on a Sunday afternoon when you could be taking a nap, to instead come here and honor our daughter. It's a testimony to Lauren that you would take the trouble to be here today. I suspect that is so because she has touched your lives in one way or another.

It's incredibly hard for me to realize that I'm now old enough to have a daughter who is a high school graduate. Those of you who know me well know that I have a very poor memory—there are occasions of Lauren's life that she and Linda remember with crystal clarity that are sometimes at best foggy recollections for me.

Growing up with a minister for a dad has involved a number of moves for Lauren—from Virginia to Missouri to Kentucky to Florida, and sometimes several moves within that state. It has meant sometimes leaving close friends in one place because the Lord told her dad it was time to go to another place. I do remember several of those moves were tough for Lauren—to break ties that her young heart had made, not knowing what the future would hold. I also remember how incredibly mature she was during those times—even while her heart was breaking, she trusted her mother and me and submitted to the move as God's work in her family.

That's why even now, as only an 18-year-old, I can already see the attributes the Word of God tells us are present in a godly woman. Such a woman is described in Proverbs 31:10-31. [I then read the passage.]

I recognize that clearly some of this is not yet applicable with Lauren—she is not married, and I certainly do not wish to encourage that development any time soon! But as I think about Lauren's future, my charge to her is that she would aspire to be this woman. Notice a few of the godly woman's traits:

• She is rare: "A good woman is hard to find."

• She is of precious worth: "... worth more than diamonds."

• She respects her husband: "She treats him generously."

• She is frugal: "... shops around."

• She is industrious: "She's up before dawn." "She looks over a field and buys it. ... She plants a garden."

• After God, her home is her first priority: "She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent at homemaking." "She keeps an eye on everyone in her household."

• She is compassionate to the needy.

• Her actions cause others to respect her husband. "Her husband is greatly respected."

• She is joyful and happy: "Always faces tomorrow with a smile."

• She has "something worthwhile to say."

• She fears God, which means she reveres, loves, obeys and submits to God's will in her life.

• Because of all of the above, this godly woman is worthy of praise.

Lauren, this is the woman that God wants you to be—and this is the woman I charge you to be. If God wills that one day you will marry, the Proverbs 31 woman is the kind of wife you should be. If God has called you to a life of celibacy, this is still the kind of woman you should be in your "marriage" to Christ and His work.

In three days, Linda and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. The woman I'm charging you to be—and are already becoming—is the woman your mother is. In your mother you have see the model Proverbs 31 woman. That's not to say you are going to be just like her. Nevertheless, the attributes of a godly woman she exhibits are those you would be wise to follow.

Lauren, your mother and I are incredibly blessed God has given you to us. We are proud of the young woman you have become and eagerly await whatever God has for you in the future. Always fear God and go wherever He calls you. We love you.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36).