Dear Class of 2014:

I might get the chance to speak to you as a whole before graduation, but just in case I don’t, I wanted to write you a letter. This way, I will be able to address the graduates from Houston, Germantown, MEHA, Harding, and other schools.

I am so proud of you. I can say that in all honesty without being your parent. I’ve watched you over the last four years struggle with the loss of your friend, Trey, and rebound to be much better classmates and friends. Not to mention, you have been wonderful to our family.

I have watched you handle relationships, exams, sports (wins and losses), and most of it has been over social media. I have prayed for you to have strength during those times and learn to be overcomers. I will never forget being stranded on the side of the expressway and you were tweeting out to me wondering where I was because you were going to come change my tire! (Kyle Dailey!) You have learned to love outside your box.

You have lived inside your Collierville box for a long time. I think Trey’s death stretched your Collierville box and the perfect idea of life. Now you are about to step outside the Collierville box and experience so much of what life can throw at you. It will not be easy. God never promised us an easy life. He only promised that He would walk with us every step. You will be tested in mighty ways. It will be YOUR decision to overcome the temptations and you cannot put the blame or decision-making on anyone else. “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” Ps. 31:24

One more little tidbit of advice. Some of you will be going off to colleges that are hours away. Some may be travelling only as far as the U of M campus. Either way, you are gaining a new independence from your parents. With this new independence comes separation. I remember when some of you were complaining about being in school and Trey tweeted something about the fact that you needed to be grateful because he wanted to be in school. Here is my point. When you leave your parents, believe it or not, they will miss you terribly. Most moms will cry and dads will become sentimental. Be kind and stay in touch with your parents. I can’t stay in touch with Trey, do his laundry, or wait for him to come home on the weekends; but your parents will. Be sensitive to them. They have sacrificed much. They will experience only a touch of what Jay and I have felt as you leave. And you know what? You can stay in touch with me too. Nothing has meant more to me this last year than hearing from Trey’s friends while they have been experiencing their freshman year at college. Sometimes, it was just a 30 minute conversation with Cody Jordan. If that warmed MY heart, think of what it will do for your parents! You, my friends, are an extension of the son I raised.

You will take Trey with you wherever you go. More than that, you can’t just leave God at home either. Who are you when no one is watching. God is there. Make much of your life and make grand memories. Invest in others by paying it forward in blessings. But most of all, live like Jesus. Don’t be afraid, you can do it. Be different. Be a leader and don’t follow the crowd. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

I love you,
Mama Lisa

The Stand by Hillsong – Trey’s fav.
You stood before creation
Eternity in your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what could I say?
And what could I do?
But offer this heart, Oh God
Completely to you

So I’ll walk upon salvation
Your spirit alive in me
This life to declare your promise
My soul now to stand

So what could I say?
And what could I do?
But offer this heart, Oh God
Completely to you

I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I’ll stand
My soul Lord to you surrendered
All I am is yours

ALL YOU ARE…IS HIS! (Watch over them Buddy.)