Last Updated on June 8, 2023
In an increasingly cynical world, a heartening narrative has emerged from Greenville, South Carolina, as there is a rise in young people rediscovering spiritual roots.
The story of Lydia Owens, a high school senior at Woodmont High School, is an encouraging example of this trend.
Owens, the valedictorian and senior class president, is making waves online for a faith-based speech she gave at her high school graduation ceremony. The speech was both a testament to her personal journey and a beacon of hope for her peers.
In her address, Owens shared personal hardships and detailed her faith. She offered an uplifting message of intrinsic worth, stating, “Even if you accomplish all of your dreams or none of them at all, you are still valuable and you are still good enough because you are made in the image of God.” This thought-provoking perspective resonated with her fellow graduates and is resonating with people all over the internet.
Owens spoke candidly about her mother’s passing two years ago, which significantly influenced her outlook on success. “When tragedy struck my life, it was not my grades nor my accomplishments that helped me navigate through that loss. When everything else in my life felt uncertain, the only person I could depend on to stay the same was Jesus,” Owens shared.
In an interview with WHNS, Owens further expanded on her mother’s influence in her life: “She always pushed me to be my best self and always encouraged me in my faith. She’s the reason that I have such a strong faith. She was the example of how to be a Godly woman and how to love people intentionally.”
This fall, Owens plans to attend Anderson University in South Carolina, majoring in elementary education. Her story is not only a powerful testament to her own resilience and faith but also a signal that more young people are turning to spirituality in their quest for meaning and understanding.
This wave of young people reconnecting with their faith serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Owens’ journey underscores the message that amid life’s challenges and triumphs, young people are turning towards faith as a source of strength and guidance. As more stories like Owens’ come to the fore, we look forward to an era marked by spiritual rejuvenation among the younger generation.
“I don’t want anyone to say wow Lydia, you did a great job. Yes, I said the words but that was God speaking through me.”
Watch Lydia’s Speech in the Video Below:
Lydia Owens recently delivered a speech at the Woodmont High School graduation ceremony, where she was recognized as the school's Valedictorian and Senior Class President. Lydia is the daughter of our Executive Pastor, Brian Owens. So it might not surprise you that she mentioned… pic.twitter.com/MISArwjjPn
— Wayne Bray (@waynebray) June 1, 2023