Commencement Address LCCTC: There is a Stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell.

There is a Stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell

Graduates, esteemed faculty, and proud families,

Today, we celebrate your graduation. This ceremony is called commencement. It is ironic that at the end of your education journey we have a ceremony that means a beginning or a start. You will no longer be a child. You are an adult and are going to begin to forge your way in society.

Let's turn to the gospel of rock and roll for some guidance as you begin your adult journey. Music has a way of speaking to our souls, capturing the highs and lows of life's adventure.

Let’s look at the book of Led Zeppelin that legendary rock band that gave us a soaring anthem, "Stairway to Heaven." This song speaks of a path that takes us to a place of enlightenment, a place of dreams fulfilled. It is a reminder to chase those ambitious goals, to strive for excellence, and to never give up on your aspirations. In the end the climb will yield a reward.

But hold on a minute! The book of AC/DC, another powerhouse of rock, throws a twist into the mix with their electrifying "Highway to Hell." This song reminds us that there can be pitfalls along the way, temptations that could lead us astray. It's a call to be aware of the choices we make and the paths we choose. Bad choices can compound and accelerate our damnation.?

So, graduates, which path will you take? The road to righteousness is narrow. The road to righteousness will elevate you. A stairway climbs. A stairway has limited occupancy when compared to a highway. If you join the stairway to heaven, you will be part of the few not the many. As the outside world looks like it is crumbling around us and as we appear to be in the ever shrinking minority, perhaps it is because we have chosen the stairway and not the highway.

The road is wide that leads to Hell and many will fall through that gate. The road is a highway as compared to a stairway. The highway has room for many. The highway has room for those who are headed in the wrong direction, to do so efficiently, effectively, and fast. Many in society appear to be on this highway.

The evidence of societal decay is all around you. Civility seems to be on the decline, with increased road rage, nastiness online, and a general decline in polite behavior. The individual, I, has become far more important than the group, we. All of my needs must be met, and possibly at your expense. Trust in traditional institutions like government, media, and religious organizations seems to be lower. The gap between rich and poor is widening in many places, which can lead to social unrest.

My challenge to you is to look for the stairway. The stairway is the harder path but with a greater reward at the top floor. To follow Zeppelin, it will lead us to the eternal paradise that is Heaven. You are good enough to embrace that challenge. You are talented enough to make a difference. Perhaps you might even hold another's hand and make the voyage together.

Under the guise of misery loves company, the negativity that permeates our world can easily engulf us. Our selections on social media lead to algorithms that reinforce our darkest emotions and keep us in a state of division against our brothers and sisters.??

On your journey climbing the stairway, you may tire. At times it may feel impossible. You will need the love and support of others who have chosen the stairway. You must also then be there for others who tire or want to give up.

You are set to begin your journey. You are talented, equipped, and loved. You have the freedom to take the narrow path or the wide gate. Choose your path and those who accompany you wisely.

Congratulations and Happy Trails!