An Open Letter to the Graduates of 2020 from a Messenger of Hope

By Vickie B. Turner

I am moved, I am touched with your feelings of disappointment, sadness, and that sense that you have been robbed of something, something that you have worked hard for and you  have looked forward to for most of your lives.  I get it, I understand, and I too, hate it.  You see the most wonderful time of my year as your School Board Member, is attending Graduations.  I look forward to the Pomp and Circumstance and the Processions, the roar of your parents and family members and most importantly, I look forward to sharing words of Hope with you, releasing your diplomas and shaking your hand and whispering to you, how very proud I am of you and my final salutation to you is: God Bless You.

What do you do when your plans don’t work out? How do you manage the unexpected “Shifts” in life?  I want you to know, that you are not alone.  You have every right to experience feelings of disappointment and despair. I want to share my secret to handling life’s challenges…I lean in on my Faith, I look to the Hills for Help, and I make a decision to Trust my God. Life happens (the good, the bad and the ugly), and it is often unpredictable. But there is one constant that I know for sure and that is, God is Good and He’s Faithful.   I want to encourage you that though you may weep tonight, Joy will show up in the morning hour (not necessarily at 5am, simply when you wake up). Purpose, in your heart my beloved to wake up to the Joys ofLife.  Wake up knowing that God has a plan, and you are on His mind, and His plan is to do you good and not evil, to give you hope and a future.

Your Proud School Board Member

Mrs. Vickie B. Turner