December in New Orleans

 

We are down in New Orleans with Sarah, her husband Brad, and our granddaughter, Elsie. While we will be doing some touristy things and eating some really good Orleans food, we are here for a much more exciting reason. I am graduating (finally) with my terminal degree, a Doctorate in Ministry (aka DMin), which is a practical degree (PHDs are research).

I was very concerned about the graduation service because I had seen it before online and knew how it worked. When the Doctoral Student’s name is called, they walk on stage, kneel on a prayer bench, are hooded by their Doctoral leaders, stand up, take a picture, and walk off. Sounds simple enough, but I have leg issues and cannot kneel; I can barely go up steps.

During our trip, I have already fallen twice because of uneven surfaces, so I am really concerned about the graduation. I expressed my concern to Dr. Johnson, my mentor, and he said We've got you, don’t worry about it. But what did that mean?

During rehearsal the day before, I noticed that we had to climb five steps to the stage. I was asked by one of the professors if I would like to just do the hooding on the main floor and not have to ascend the steps to the stage. Here, on the spot, my mind is thinking about the answer, and of course, pride is really playing a big part in my decision. Do I want to be the only person to be hooded on the main floor? Will my family be able to see? I came all this way; I want to do this and not feel different… But that is not going to happen.

The morning of graduation, I worked hard to steam my gown. It was light blue and looked really nice. I arrived at the gathering of seminary students to check in and wait. The registrar’s office (who oversee the graduation) told me that they realized the day before, when I turned in my hood, that I had obtained the wrong-colored gown and hood. So, now I have a “dark red” loaner gown! It came out of a bag and is wrinkled, so much for my steaming work.

Again, pride, fear, stress, and anxiety over how I will get on stage…

The last thing you want to do is be that guy, right?

The moment arrived; the doctoral students stood and approached the stage steps. I was told the usher would help me up the stairs. I am not sure he knew what he was going to get into helping me up. Once on the stage, Dr. Johnson held out his hand and walked with me to the center to stand and be hooded. Then he helped me walk down the steps, back to the main floor. It went smoothly.

Friends, this is a lesson in humility. It is embarrassing to need help walking and putting it on display for others. Note, I am not the only old guy, and others have mobility issues, but no one needed that kind of help. I learned two important lessons from the experience. First, the doctors (professors) went out of their way to help me receive my honors, without making me feel anything less than normal. Second, sometimes you have to swallow your pride for the sake of something better. And a third insight, I need to work on strengthening my legs in 2025.