An Open Letter to Our Graduates

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Dear Graduate:
Congratulations!   You've completed your undergraduate degree and are moving on - a new step in life, lovingly coined "adulting..."
Before you go, let us bestow a few parting words (ok, a lot of parting words):


1.  It is a great, big world out there!  Be careful not to loose focus on the big picture by getting lost in the muck.  Remember, too, that even though it is a great, big world, God fearfully and wonderfully made you!  (Psalm 139:14).  He placed the stars in the sky, and he knows them by name (Psalm 147:4) -- and just the same, He calls you by name, His beloved!  (Isaiah 43:1).  YOU are HIS child!  And with forces like that at work in your life, how can anything happen, but that which was meant to be?  He is in control.  He's got this.  And because He's got this, YOU'VE got this!
2.  Don't forget ΣAΩ!   I truly believe this organization is ordained by the Lord and serves such a powerful purpose (both during undergraduate years, and after!), please don't let it go!   And do not worry, you do not have to "serve" to stay involved!  Attend alumni events at your home chapter, join your local alumni association (meant to be an extension of the sisterhood), donate to Sisters By Grace (tax deductible!), check in with a chapter near by and ask how you can pray for them.  Or -- if you feel called to play a larger role -- apply to serve on the National Board, or SBG, or be a Mentor!  Help us start a new chapter at a campus near by, be an alumni advisor for a chapter.  Perhaps the most importantly, pray for  ΣAΩ, its leaders, its chapters, the universities that increasingly make it a challenge for us to be active on campus -- cover us in prayer!   Erin Watts-Evans (President, Alumni Association of Georgia and Theta Chapter Alumni) has said, "you will be an alumni of  ΣAΩ significantly longer than you'll be a sister."   Use the sisterhood to help you as you go through this stage in life.  Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."   Use our alumni resources as a way to meet the Lord's command in this passage from Hebrews.  Stay connected in fellowship (John 15:5).  
3.  Follow the call!  The Lord has knowledge not apportioned to us, knowledge of the future.  Fear not!  He has a plan and a purpose for your life and while he does not cause heartache and pain for his sons and daughters, I believe he does use it for his purpose.  And so take heart in those low moments and know that God is using them to prepare you, so when you feel his whispers or his nudge, follow it.  Sufficient is the day for it's own worry, so do not worry about tomorrow!  He's got it! (Matthew 6:34).    When Jesus appeared before the disciples after his death and resurrection he told them "do not fear, just believe!"  And you should do this too, when you follow the sometimes terrifying call of Jesus!  


The bottom line, graduates, is this:  we love you!  We will will miss you and your lasting footprint on this organization.    Congratulations and be blessed in all that you do!  Remember:  God is within [you], [you] will not fail!  (Psalm 46:5)

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