Master’s Degree
This past Friday night during the Hooding Ceremony at Southeastern University I received the Outstanding Thesis Award for the paper I presented for the Masters of Ministerial Leadership Degree. As I thought through what was happening I was overwhelmed with what was taking place. The end of a three year process of classroom work, reading seven books per semester, writing reports, writing term papers, putting together projects and listening to lecture after lecture. Waking up at all times of the night to work on a thesis, the final project to complete the degree requirements, hour upon hour of writing and re-writing, it had finally come to an end.
Even though I was overwhelmed by what was taking place, I still remembered what the Apostle Paul had written to the church in Philippi, listing all his accomplishments. He then told the people he considered all that rubbish. As I looked at the award in my hands I must be completely honest, I had a hard time calling it rubbish. I was really proud of the accomplishment. However, like the Apostle Paul, I desire to know Jesus Christ in all His fullness and because of that it is important to place this achievement in proper perspective.
Let me just say that I am very grateful to Southeastern University for the opportunity to take and complete this degree on-line. I am very thankful to Dr. Robert Houlihan the Dean, College of Christian Ministries and Religion and to Dr. Brian Kelly, my advisor for their help and encouragement. To the professors and instructor of Southeastern University I owe a great deal of gratitude for their patience and direction over the past three years. To Angle Lake Neighborhood Church, who had to endure countless sermons, teachings, and conversations as I worked through the thesis and presented to them information for feedback and correction; thank you. To my accountability partner, who perhaps listen to more of my rambling than any other person, thank you for your support and encouragement. To my peers and mentors, who over the years help me process the struggle that was going on in my own spirit over these matters; my enduring gratitude.
My greatest thanks goes to Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord, whose love has captured and rescued me; I am forever grateful! Jesus is the air that I breathe. In Him I find all I need to be productive and successful. He has given me life and in Him I live, move and breathe.
Jesus is the air I breathe and Han is the wind under my wings. Without her support, encouragement, devotion and sacrifice even trying to gain a Master’s Degree would have been impossible. I love you dear very much and because of you this has been possible!
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