Doug Cramer's column: Hope for the future
Published at 3:19pm Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Last week was the annual State DECA competition. DECA is an association for marketing students. You're probably wondering how I know that when I've been retired for five years. I still love DECA and continue to come back every year to help with the conference.
Doug Kramer writes a religion column for SNAP.
Several thousand students show up each year in Greensboro to determine who will attend the DECA International Conference. Students compete in a variety of role-playing events that also have a written exam component. Some students write research papers and then present their results as a competition. There are group and individual events. Perhaps the best part is seeing high school students dressed like professionals for competitions.
I attended the state convention every year except the year it snowed. I always looked forward to going to the conference, even though taking students away for several days was a huge responsibility. They always had a positive competitive experience and had a great time away from home. I have a lot of great stories, including many pranks students played on me. There are so many memories that I plan to keep for the rest of my life.
I help with state employee elections every year. The election process determines who will lead the student organization for the upcoming academic year. These are the best students, and wow, do they make a huge impression on me. These students must complete an application, take a written exam, pass an interview with a nominating committee, and finally win electoral votes to become state officials.
I administer the test and help supervise one of the nomination committees. The committee is made up of students from across the state who take their responsibility of selecting the best candidates for their positions seriously. It is a very interesting process to observe. Students behave in a professional and mature manner. And when they're done, I think they've chosen the best candidates to be the next state officials.
When I bring all the candidates together to take their test, I tell them two stories about previous officer candidates. I hope my stories will encourage students and help them relax before the test. I told the students this year why I have continued to come back and work at the conference every year since I retired. I told them I had come to see hope for the future in their eyes. I told them I see the future leaders of our country in that room. I see incredible potential in their eyes. I feel peace in my soul because I know that our country is in good hands. The news discourages me, but when I look into their eyes, hope returns that everything will go well. That's why I come back year after year.
When I turned to pick up the test to hand out, I was surprised by their response; They applauded me. I couldn't hide the tear that escaped from my eyes, which sparked more cheers. I encourage you to turn off the news and look around at today's youth. I know they're not perfect, but neither are we. There are some young people who have some bright ideas, strong moral values and a surprisingly refreshing faith.
Some people believe that politicians will help change things. Some people trust the stock market and believe that its success will change the world. Some hope that social reform will change the world. There is only one thing that can change our world. While I find hope in our youth, I know that the only way to change is through faith in Jesus Christ. He is the one who holds our future in his hands. He is the one who will guide us and protect us. He is our presenter. Our only hope for the future is to turn our eyes back to God and rely on His wisdom and guidance.
I want to encourage you to turn your eyes and keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. The world may seem bleak, but he is still in control. He loves us and plans good things for our future. We must place our trust and confidence in Him in all circumstances. He is the source of our hope. He is the Prince of Peace. He loves us so much more than we can ever understand. The future remains bright when we look into the eyes of God.
Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or doug@dougcreamer.com
