They walked in tandem, each of the
ninety-three students filing into the
already crowded auditorium.
With rich maroon gowns flowing and the
traditional caps, they looked
almost as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.
This class would not pray during the
commencements -- not by choice but
because of a recent court ruling
prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were
careful to stay within the
guidelines allowed by the ruling.
They gave inspirational and challenging
speeches, but no one mentioned
divine guidance and no one asked for
blessings on the
graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were
routine, until the final speech
received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then he
delivered his speech
... an astounding sneeze.
The rest of the students rose immediately to their feet, and in unison they said, "GOD BLESS YOU."
The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
