Denzel Washington is an Academy Award-winning actor and is a well-known star all around the world. He was invited to speak to the graduating class at Dillard University and offered some powerful advice. Read on and be inspired by his powerful words!
Denzel was very deliberate in his first point to this prestigious crowd..."Put. God. First!"
He continued to share his personal dependence on God and encouraged the young folks to do the same.
Saying, "Put God first in everything you do. Everything I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift.”
As he speech begins, Denzel shared how he struggled in college. And how his 1.7 GPA was not impressive so he was forced to evaluate his purpose in life. It was then, when a stranger shared with him "a prophecy." She said he would travel the world and speak to millions.
WOW.
And while, yes, that has happened, Denzel has never lost sight of WHO was always there. He attributes his life and success to God. God has, "protected me, directed me and corrected me. I've kept God in my life and it's kept me humble."
“I didn’t always stick with him, but he’s always stuck with me,” Washington said. “Stick with him in everything you do.”
Denzel continued to shared ideas and thoughts as to how to dream big but rely on God along the way. And while materialistic things are nice, "You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse."
“I pray that you put your slippers way under your bed tonight, so that when you wake up in the morning you have to get on your knees to reach them."
"And while you’re down there, say thank you. Thank you for grace, thank you for mercy, thank you for understanding, thank you for wisdom, thank you for parents, thank you for love, thank you for kindness, thank you for humility, thank you for peace, thank you for prosperity. Say thank you in advance for what’s already yours.”
As Denzel was coming to his close, he encouraged the graduates to "Don’t just aspire to make a living, but aspire to make a difference.”
Thank you, Denzel, for your time and wisdom. We appreciate your honesty and humility. God's love shines through you and for that we have been blessed. May God keep you safe and continue to protect you in all that you pursue. Amen.
To view his commencement speech, click below:
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turns His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
HT TheBlaze
Featured Image Credit: Youtube