My first born child, Amy Michelle Ethridge, is graduating from Auburn University today with a degree in Speech Pathology/Disorders! It is a time of great celebration and rejoicing in our family. I have no problem saying with great pride… CONGRATULATIONS AMY!
However… it wasn’t long back when she called me weeping uncontrollably. In that call the first words I heard her say were… “I’m a weed!!”
I didn’t understand what she meant, so I asked her to explain. She said that the class she was taking was really hard… it was a class they used to “weed out” the students that couldn’t cut the mustard. She wanted to quit… give up… and change her major because, as she put it… “I’m a weed!!”
I spent some time encouraging her… affirming her… reminding her of all the other times she didn’t think she could do something, and did. I reminded her of the times she had prayed and God answered and to rely upon Him. I reminded her that the degree she was seeking would be worth something because not everyone can do what it takes to get that degree.
I told her to look forward to the day of how happy she would be and thankful to God when she walked across the stage to get her diploma. I told her that when things got hard in classes to remember how great her reward would be when she finished all her classes and she could move that tassel. I reminded her that she was smart, intelligent, and could do the work because God had given her that ability.
Since that call, every time she called telling me her grades in her classes I reminded her… “You ain’t no weed!” Today she knows she is NOT a weed!
All I did was what Paul told us to do when life is tough. He wrote as recorded in Colossians 3:1-4…
Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Way to go Punkin! Congratulations! You ain’t no weed… you’re a beautiful flower for God in His kingdom! So next time something hard or difficult comes up in your life, remember… you ain’t no weed!
Congratulations Amy! I am so proud of you! Aunt Lynn
Way to go dad! I wish all fathers would encourage their children as you did Amy. Congratualations to Amy and I wish her the best as she steps into this new phase of her life.
Dick
Congrats to Amy!!
Betsy Woodard
CONGRATULATIONS to Amy and the Ethridge family! I know this is a proud moment and one that did not come without much perseverence! God bless you all and Merry Christmas!
Anthony
Congratulations! May your dreams come true. You know parents deserve congratulations, too!
Weed? No way. I know that child and her parents. She ain’t no weed. Indeed, she is a beautiful flower. Congrats to your baby girl!
Beautifully written. I must say that after reading it I feel almost as proud of Amy as you do. I am very happy for her and the Ethridge family. Congratulations!
Your wonderful blog about Amy brought back memories of my own Auburn graduation when I walked across that same stage. I didn’t know that my dad was waiting for me (I guess to take a picture) when I came down the steps. He grabbed me and hugged me so hard I couldn’t breath! As the parent of a college student I now know why he was sooooo happy! Maybe I will know what he felt like one day! Way to go Amy ~ you are a very special young lady and I know that God has great plans for you!
It’s good to see an Ethridge in front of a Auburn sign…she has to be smart!
Congratulations, Amy! You made it! Good luck on your future endeavors…I know you’ll find success. War Eagle!
Amy, you come from good stock! Congratulations on this great achievement !You are a beautiful flower in God’s garden.You can become whatever He wants you be.The One who helped you this far is faithful and will continue to empower you in the becoming process.God bless you!! Loveto you and your precious family, Irene
As a long time Alabama fan, Auburn was number one this week! But the real #1 person was Amy! She was just beautiful walking across that stage and my heart almost burst with pride with what she has accomplished. Amy, this is just one of many things you have accomplished in your life and God willing there will be many more. Never sell yourself short –
From a very proud Grandmother! I love you!
Congratulations Amy and Parents,
An excellent school and good choice of Major. You will have many job opportunities and will serve many people with your skills. God will use you to minister to many.
Love and WAR EAGLE!!!
Amy, congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment. With the encouragement of your Dad and God you have turned the “weed” into a beautiful “blossom.” You are a beautiful girl and will accomplish much in your future. Have a wonderful life and enjoy every day of it.
God bless you!
Way to go Amy!! I can’t believe you have already completed your degree. Time is flying!! May God’s blessings continue to be poured out on you and your family. Way to go Pam and Ron, War Eagle!!
Love you Amy. Your the best. Your Dad’s not to bad either.