In Romans 8, 14-16, Paul writes,

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.  When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God…”

On Monday, May 10, I completed a journey that began forty-two years ago when I was brought home from the Mississippi Children’s Home by the man and woman who would become my mother and father.     My mother never went to college and my father’s life was cut short before he was able to finish.  I have his Associate’s Degree in my study.  He was working on his bachelor’s degree when he died of a heart attack at 33.  

 

As I walked across the stage in the National Cathedral to receive my doctorate, I was deeply aware of a powerful presence with me, something like what I believe Paul was referring to when he referred to “the spirit bearing witness with our spirits.”  I said a prayer of thanks for all those who helped me along the way and for the opportunities I have been given.  And I said a special prayer of thanks for my father, who in four short years instilled much in me that has made me who I am.  It has been said that we stand on the shoulders of others.  I stood on his shoulders that day and my feet were firm and secure! 

Upon whose shoulders do you stand?