Mar 28, 2009

The Sneeze

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THE SNEEZE

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, 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 student speakers 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 speaker, who received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then it happened.

All 92 students, every single one of them in unison, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!

The student on stage... simply looked at the audience and said,

"GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!' And he walked off stage.

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval!

22 comments:

Musings of A Minister said...

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful!

Danette said...

I LOVE IT!!!
AMEN!!!

Unknown said...

I forwarded this to all my friends. It was just lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Charlotte said...

I love it. People can many times find ways around stupid laws, and this is one of the most stupid. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Kathy,
I have read this before and what a joy to read it again! Thank you for sharing it.

Blessings,
Sandi

Julie said...

I love it!!! What a great post. Have a restful Sunday...Julie

Blondie's Journal said...

Kathy,

My heart just burst!!! I give thanks that all of my children attended catholic school and prayer was a part of every class and they attended mass several times a week.

I can't imagine a day in our lives in which we do not give thanks to God for all that He has given us. I am so appalled that anyone could be offended by the words that we are "...one nation under God".

Bless you for this post that brought more than one tear to my eye, and my daughter & her friends, who happened to be here when I read your post aloud.

xoxo
Jane

Heather said...

very nice! He does have that way with us doesn't he? lol

Nicole ~ said...

Wow, that is amazing, and very clever. It is so sad that that kids have to come up with ways to be able to tip toe around prayer. It is no wonder why our society has turned so violent!

Melly said...

wow i really enjoyed reading your post, Kathy. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Happy Spiritual Sunday!
Melly:)

Carol said...

What a great story! So glad you posted it!

Blessings,
Carol

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Loved this!

I am still dumbfounded that students in this country which was founded on Godly principles can no longer invoke God's name in school.

Thank goodness for the brave and creative youth who used a sneeze to do what they should be allowed to do!

XO,

Sheila

SmilingSally said...

I've seen this one before; it's a goodie. Thanks for sharing. Happy Spiritual Sunday


BTW: I had a hard time reading the pale print. Could you darker it a bit?

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Thank you, thank you, for this post. I can remember being in high school the very first year that the restriction against prayer took effect. (Does that date me?) I missed saying the Lord's Prayer.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I loved this thank-you so much!
Blessings,
Ginger

Dixie said...

Kathy... great post dawlin'!
and...
God Bless you too!
hugs. Dixie

anon said...

brilliant - Judith

Joyfulsister said...

That was awesome!!!
What creativity they had in unison, I know God smiled upon each of them that day!!! I know it made my heart smile reading this.

Hugz Lorie

Technonana said...

Wahoo!!! Good for Them!!! Sending my friends to read this story!!
Thanks for sharing it!
Love,
Sharon

Saleslady371 said...

Oh, I enjoyed this!
Happy Sunday to you.

God Chaser said...

Love it! great post. How creative without causing problems- looks as if they are ready to face this world.

kymber said...

Wonderful Story! It is so sad when ignorant people try to take God out of the picture! We need Him so much - it is always great to see how God continues to move through people even though evil men try to thwart HIM - He is in control!
To God be the glory!

Blessings to you,
Kymber