Ladies, I don’t even know where to start with this. I’m writing from a place of admiration, awe, and pure joy, not just happiness but pure joy.
Today, I had the privilege of attending my sister’s graduation at Daystar University, and my heart is bursting.
I don’t know why, maybe it’s because I never got a chance to attend another person’s graduation, like being in a place of observation. I love this and this will remain a great day for me.
Let me set the mood for you: this is a Christian institution, one that upholds godly values, excellence, and service.
Walk with me, I want to take you on this journey with me, from my eyes.
So I noticed that most of the great people who sat at the high table were women, please don’t throw stones at me, no, I also saw great men there.
I want to talk about two women that have stood out for me from this day.
First, let me talk about the Vice Chancellor, I won’t mention her name, for privacy reasons, and I am not describing her from a place of personal interaction but from pure observation. She came out as a woman of grace and wisdom. From her speech to her demeanor, she radiated leadership and godly character. She emphasized on service not as something lowly or insignificant, but as one of the greatest callings.
Well, I had never had such revelation from service as from what she talked about. She reminded us of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and mentioned great servants like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. It’s from a place of service that you are rewarded, it’s from that place of service that you become great. Her words left me inspired and hopeful for us, young ladies, striving to make an impact.
Then there was the guest of honor another remarkable woman! Again, I don’t know her at a personal level, just from observation. Her accolades and achievements were jaw-dropping, we are talking about her two PhDs, three degrees, being a woman leader for a renowned institution, we are talking about her actively building an institution she leads, and many more.
To add on to this, she looked so young , so demure, just amazing, but what struck me most was her humility. She said that despite all her success, her greatest joy was being a child of God, a wife, and a mother.
That hit home for me. She acknowledged her husband, the man behind her success, that’s what she said, she mentioned his name, I promise she said his name, she did, but I couldn’t remember, lol😂, that’s how bad I am with names.
You see, we didn’t see that man, but we saw her woman, what a great man! I loved this part😉, anyway; moving on swiftly😅, this can show you their marriage. What I get from this is a healthy marriage, a marriage where the man is not intimidated by the success of her lady, a man that appreciates her wife, a great man, right?
You agree with me? Or am I alone? It showed me that true greatness is found in balancing ambition with a heart for family and faith.
Seeing these women of power and purpose, firmly grounded in Jesus, filled me with hope, hope for a future, the deep hope. They are women who pursue excellence, change the world, and still hold on to godly values.
( I also never thought I would derive an example from besties who are not from the Bible 😅😉), this blog is the Holy spirits work, purely his inspiration, he speaks, we move.
But lest you think, again, you think that I’ve forgotten, believe me there were also incredible men at this event men of valor, leadership, and strength. Men to be valued. But you and I both know, I’m specific to my sisters.
Let me take you to the highlight of the event: the PhD awards. You are not ready. Or are you? Here goes.
Picture this: the recipient’s name is called out. We will use myself as an example. “We hereby acknowledge Dr. Gloria Karanja😊, who has achieved a PhD in Clinical Psychology, school of Applied Human Sciences, who had diligently pursed this course, supervised by her mentors Dr. A and Dr. B, hereby receives….” You get the point.
She rises, walking side by side with her supervisors. She is presented to the Vice Chancellor and Dean of Studies. She kneels, is dressed in her doctoral cap, stands to receive her certificate and a gift, then poses for pictures.
It was so dignified, so regal. And it got me thinking: how beautiful will it be in heaven?
Imagine Jesus walking with you, presenting you to the Father, saying:
“I know her.
Father, I know her because she loved Me with all her heart, soul, and mind. Father, I know her name because she is mine. She didn’t let anything come between us, and she sought Me daily in prayer, worship, and meditation of My Word.
She endured hardships with grace and trusted Me even when the answers weren’t clear. She walked by faith and not by sight, and her hope was steadfast in Me. Father, she wasn’t ashamed of My name.
She proclaimed My truth and shared the gospel, even when it cost her relationships or brought opposition. She planted seeds of faith in others. She served the least of these as if serving her last. She walked in faith, even when it was hard. She carried her cross daily and followed me.
She served with humility and love. She was bold in sharing My name and made disciples. She sought Me above all else. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
Father she loved Me and obeyed My commands. She gave generously and without expecting anything in return.
Her name is written in the Book of Life. She was a light in the world. She poured out her life for others in love. She held fast to My Word and did not deny My name. She lived for My glory.
I now approve of her.”
You kneel down, and instead of a cap, you are clothed in glory. (I could cry😭), so Revelation 22:12 comes to mind:
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Revelation 7:9-10 also paints a glorious picture of heaven:
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”
Can you imagine? Being acknowledged by the King of Kings for your service and faithfulness?
Wait.
Ladies, I love the idea of pursuing excellence academically, professionally, and personally. These achievements are wonderful, and I am on that journey myself. Come sit with me if you want to hear my short-term and long-term plans. (But of course, you’d have to be close to know all the details, haha! Lol!)
Still, as we chase these earthly accolades, let’s not forget to pursue the crown of heaven. Let’s not lose sight of what truly matters: serving God, staying faithful, and living boldly for His glory.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:25:
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
So yes, let’s aim high. Let’s achieve greatness. But above all, let’s strive to hear those words from Jesus one day: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Thank you for reading this. Let’s go for both crowns the earthly and the heavenly!
Blessings!