Mayor Wayne Smith's Speeches

ST. LUKE'S AME CHURCH's (NEWARK)
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE LUNCHEON

Delivered on Saturday, May 20, 2006

Good afternoon to Rev. Grant, family and church members, committee members, friends, well-wishers---and, of course---the honorees at this most joyous and celebratory occasion. It is with great pride and privilege that I give tribute to the recipients of the 2006 St. Luke's AME Church Scholarship Fund.

As college-bound students, you are embarking on a journey.one of excitement, potential and progress.one that will help shape and define the rest of your lives.

You have received relentless messages about the importance of education as the key to economic security---or, at least, the opportunity to achieve it. Look at Randall Pinkett, the young African American entrepreneur whose Ivy League credentials helped land him on The Apprentice . After winning on the television show, Randall has a high-profile job with the world famous Donald Trump. It certainly is an enviable position. On the other hand, you've heard about the stunning career collapses of business titans like Kenneth Lay, who is accused of bankrupting Enron while enriching himself and his friends. In cases like these, the well-known biblical scripture comes to mind: Matthew 16:26: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul?

Like everyone else, God-fearing believers are in the world; the critical difference is that we are "not of this world," because we value the spiritual above all else. As such, we have been traditionally taught to spurn the worldly lure of financial abundance. We are told that money provides only temporary comfort and satisfaction, while our true riches lie in eternal glory. Many believe that one must be forsaken for the other. Man cannot serve two masters, they say.

Study the word of God, however, and you will learn that spirituality is intrinsically linked to lasting financial security.

Listen to His declaration in the Gospel of John: "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly;" Psalms 50:12 tells us that God said, "The world is mine and all that is in it." Look at the natural resources of the world He created and their intimate connection to wealth ---oil, silver and gold, to name a few examples. Wonder at the majesty of the waterfalls, rivers, lakes, deserts and rainforests formed by His precious hands.

In my own humble words, let's look at it this way---if those who are not grounded in the grace of God can achieve financial security, those of us who claim to love God should be that much more economically empowered. Herein lies one of the greatest challenges and obstacles to the financial freedom and other blessings that we seek. We utter God's words but don't always follow them.

Your college experience will expose you to a whole new world. You will interact with more ethnicities and cultures than ever before; competing philosophies on everything from government to religion will clamor for your attention and acceptance. But, be steadfast and secure in the knowledge of the God who can deliver you. There is no exam He cannot ace.no career choice He can't guide. Heed the warning in the book of Hosea 4:6---My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee."

Pursue knowledge and success with the same passion God has for your prosperity. You must, however, do it the right way.His way. Job 22:21 instructs us to "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way, prosperity will come to you." You may not get an A on the first exam.you may not get the class you really wanted.maybe your personality will clash with that of your roommate. Don't give up, and put Him first, anyway.

I once read the story of someone who had her heart set on attending a certain college but didn't get in. She was disappointed for a long time but eventually settled on her second choice. It was where she met her future husband, who became one of the most distinguished figures in American military history---her name is Alma Powell, wife of Colin Powell. God knows first what is in store for our lives.

As you seek knowledge, strive for wisdom. All the book smarts in the world won't prepare you for "real life" and its struggles and challenges. No one can be shielded from adversity. What helps characterize your personal development is not adversity, but how you respond to it. Draped in the faith and wisdom instilled by God, you will not only face challenges with diligence and dignity, but you can rise above them and prosper ---financially, emotionally and spiritually.

As you undertake this fascinating journey called life, get to know who you are and be comfortable in your own skin. Let's say you love art and want to make it your life's work. You may encounter opposition from well-meaning family and friends who don't necessarily equate your longing with a soaring salary. You can combine the best of both worlds, however; your passion doesn't have to be sacrificed for a paycheck. Careers in graphic arts, film animation or as a museum curator---to use just three of several examples---can be lucrative, and they require a dedication to---and proficiency in---artistic, creative expression.

Establish and adhere to goals and values that reflect your spirit; do not let anyone else define who you are. But, be strong enough---and prudent enough---to seek out those who have gone before you. There are wonderful mentors who consider it their duty to share their experiences and insights with others. And, when you have made it, I invite you to share this philosophy and give something back, the way your predecessors gave to you.

At this critical time of academic---and personal---transition, you've heard a lot about working hard and making your dreams come true. You may think they are pious platitudes, but they really are not. With those tried and true attributes like energy, focus and determination, your dreams can be realized. I know---because mine did.

Some years ago, I embarked on my goal of leading a city, and in 2002, I took office as the 20 th Mayor of the Township of Irvington . I had a vision for Irvington---that it would begin to reclaim its past as a proud and prosperous community. Four years later, as new homes and businesses have risen---complemented by progress in public safety and economic development---a great sense of hope has swept across the community. As I prepare for another term as Mayor, I look forward to a period of unprecedented growth, with the ongoing support of all concerned and engaged citizens.

I trust that these few words have provided encouragement, and that you, too, will embrace the future with great anticipation and self-assurance, bolstered by unyielding faith in the One who has brought us here thus far.

In closing, let me share with you, this timely and poignant proverb: "Your life is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to Him."

Please accept my deepest appreciation for the opportunity to share this special occasion with you. I wish you the utmost success in all your endeavors. May His blessings eternally abide with you. Thank you.

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