Set Free

A few years ago they brought the oldest living alumni of our school back. He was ninety-six. They didn’t know what to do with him, so they invited him to chapel. In an unguarded moment, one of the faculty asked, “Would you like to speak to the students?” He said, “Yes!” And I said, “Good heavens, he’ll be longer than I am.” They draped him over the pulpit and he looked out at the students and he said,

“I would like to thank my alma mater for setting me free without setting me adrift.”

And he sat down.

I want to be set free!  Not adrift! And in that freedom I think I can find life.

Harrell F. Beck March 8, 1985

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