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I was the inspirational speaker at Englewood High School's graduation.

Even though it was tiring trying to get the speech good, thanks for my classmates to have chosen me to speak at graduation on behalf of the graduated class of 2009 :D
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My cousin recorded it a little late, but here's the full speech:

If all you had to do was wish for something and you would have it, life would be boring. (Pause) God places barriers between us and what we want, so that we can enjoy interesting and satisfying lives. God hides our biggest rewards behind the most difficult obstacles our deepest fears. God wants us to face our fears; that is how we get our biggest rewards. What are you most afraid of? (Pause)
Without these obstacles, there would be no way for us to move on, because we must face the fear in front of us to gain new experiences. Without these triumphs, we would all be lost. (slight pause) These experiences force us to struggle until we have the required strength to keep moving forward.
One day, a man found a chrysalis. He saw a small opening, and he sat down to watch the butterfly struggling to emerge. The butterfly was trying to force its body through the tiny hole for what seemed like several hours. Then the delicate creature seemed to stop making progress, like it couldnt go any further. Moved by compassion, the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the chrysalis. The butterfly was able to emerge easily. (pause) However, the butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly, expecting it to spread its wings and take flight. However, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with deformed wings. It was never able to fly.
What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting chrysalis and the struggle required to emerge from that chrysalis are Gods way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings. The fight for freedom enables it to fly.
In his infinite wisdom, God provides us with both blessings and difficulties which we must overcome. Without those hurdles, we would never learn to fly. (pause) We must remember that in every sad moment or difficult situation we have, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Keep praying and hoping, because those are the main sources of strength.
As hard as the coming struggles may be, you must endure them and overcome them. Dorothy Bernard said, Courage is fear that has said its prayers. So we must face our fears every day. I pray that our strength and courage will make us fearless. Live boldly and fly like the butterflies we are meant to be.
Thank you. (less info)