Lydia Owens is an accomplished high school graduate and was her senior class president and class valedictorian. She also faced immense loss and grief after the death of her mother when she was a sophomore in high school.
But it’s her bold counter-culture words on purpose and identity found in Jesus Christ during her commencement speech that is reaching millions of people across the globe.
“I think society has really twisted what success is and I just want people to remember that their identity doesn’t come from what they accomplished but it comes from what Jesus says you are. And you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” said Miss Owens in a recent interview with Billy Hallowell for Higher Ground. “And it doesn’t matter what you do, you will always be successful if you have Jesus.”
Miss Owens used her commencement speech to share her faith in Jesus and called on her fellow graduates to not place their worth in academics, accomplishments, or worldly things because it will always disappoint. Since her speech in early June, her words of encouragement have gone viral and she says she sees how God is moving.
“God has continuously prepared me and He’s preparing me more and more for what He wants me to do,” she said. “I just hope God continues to move, not only in my life but for those who watch my speech and these interviews.”
She credits her boldness and willingness to share her faith to her late mother, Sherry, who passed away when Miss Owens was a sophomore in high school.
“My mom was the example to me on how to be a godly woman and she was the example to me of how to pursue and love other people. She never failed to take an opportunity to openly talk about Jesus,” said Miss Owens. “She was the example of how to live out your faith boldly and I’m so grateful for that. Even though I would do anything to have her back with us, I know God is using what happened for His glory.”
Listen to the rest of the original interview by Billy Hallowell for Higher Ground above. Be sure to subscribe to the show and visit Higher Ground on The Washington Times for daily faith and culture news.
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