The Ultimatum

“This has been a Graduates’ Day to remember,” said Youth Pastor Michael Dixon. “But before I give the benediction, our very own Samuel Washington has asked to address the congregation for a few minutes. Sam, come on up.” He approached Sam, who was making his way to the microphone, hugged him, and took his seat on the stage.

“Thanks, Pastor Dixon,” Sam said into the microphone, fidgeting and shifting from one foot to the other. He took a deep breath, exhaled, and continued, “My name is not Samuel Washington or “Sam” as you all know me. My real name is Cameron, Cameron Rutherford III. And I’m not 17, I’m 22.” A collective gasp rolled in waves across the auditorium, and most stared at their neighbors with wide eyes and mouths open.

“I joined this Youth Ministry six months ago because of an ultimatum my parents gave me,” he said, nodding in the direction of his parents. “They told me to either find and join a youth ministry or face disinheritance. They also told me to choose wisely because there was no going back. I knew they meant it, and that got my attention when nothing else had before. I was determined, at all costs, to maintain my very comfortable and privileged lifestyle, even if it meant that I, as an agnostic, had to join a group of lame, merry religious nuts. That’s how I used to think of Christians.

It may seem like my parents were being cruel, controlling, and manipulative. I know it seemed that way to me at the time, and I remember yelling in not-so-respectful terms about how much I resented their ultimatum. I no longer see their actions as cruel, controlling, or manipulative. I see them as a final desperate effort to save me, their wayward child, their only son.

A son who had dropped out of a prestigious private school, became addicted to drugs, had several unsuccessful rehab stints, and impregnated three girls; three that I know of anyway. The final breaking point for them was when I crashed my Ferrari during a drag race that disfigured my best friend.” He hung his head for a few seconds before continuing.

“When I came here, my soul was dark and bleeding. I was so lost. I mean, like ocean-deep lost, with nothing in sight. For the most part, everybody has been nice to me. But there were three people who the Lord really used to pull me off the ledge—Gracie Howard, Leonard “LJ” Jackson, and Naesha Fortson.

Gracie, after Pastor Dixon, you were the first person to welcome me here. You shared things with me that you said you never shared with anybody. You thought I was a shoulder for you to lean on, and I hope I was. But your belief that I was someone who could be trusted with your secrets gave me hope. I thought maybe, just maybe, if someone like Gracie Howard opened up to me like that, there was some good in me somewhere. So, thank you, Gracie, for helping me to find a spark of goodness within myself. A spark that gave me the hope I needed to hang on, to believe that my life could be salvaged.” Gracie placed her crossed hands over her heart to acknowledge his gratitude.

“LJ, you literally stood between me and death when those three dudes rolled up on me like assassins after our youth basketball game all because their boss man thought I was trying to steal his girl. They were ready to shank me, and no doubt they would have erased me. When you told them they had to go through you to get to me, and we were just becoming friends, it blew me away, Bruh. Greater love hath no one than to lay down his life for a friend. Thank you, LJ.” LJ raised his fist in the air to acknowledge and accept Cameron’s expression of thanks.

“Naesha,” his voice trembled, “you remembered me. Not because of what I could do for you since you didn’t know who I was, but because of who you are—good, compassionate, humane, and kind. You always made sure I felt included and part of the youth ministry family, even when I wished that you had forgotten me.

Like when you signed me up to help prune, mulch, fertilize, weed, and water the church community garden.” Light chuckles echoed through the building. “I wasn’t used to getting my hands dirty. Or when you convinced me to volunteer at the horse ranch. I swear I don’t ever want to walk any path where a horse has ridden again. I’ve scooped enough horse poop for two lifetimes.

But the service activity I wanted to participate in the least was the one that changed me the most—spending time with our brothers and sisters at the foster care group home. Hearing their horror stories really put things into perspective for me. It made me realize that I don’t have a right to waste my life. God gave it to me for a reason, and I can use my wealth and resources to do some really cool things to help others.” Naesha fanned the white tissue she was using to wipe her wet cheeks at him, accepting his heart-warming sentiments.

“We know there are many types of scholarships for academics, sports, and other things. But I believe there should be scholarships for courage and kindness, too. So, on behalf of my parents, Gracie, LJ, and Naesha, we would like to give each of you a $10,000 scholarship to help cover the costs of your college tuition and fees this fall.” The walls seemed to rattle as the audience erupted into thunderous applause and foot stomping, and more than a few slid into a COGIC praise dance.

Once the jubilant praisers settled down, Cameron continued. “I also want to say to my parents, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for every hurt, for every pain,” he paused, shaking his head trying, unsuccessfully, to stop his own tears from flowing, “for every time I pierced your heart and made you regret having me. But I also want to thank you. Thank you for loving me enough to risk losing me because, in taking that risk, you saved me. And I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to be the son that you and God can be proud of.”

The audience stood, facing Cameron’s parents, applauding, and affirming them as they embraced.

“The last thing I want to say is to parents who have rebellious kids, like I was—never give up on them. Don’t give up, but give them over to Jesus. He knows how to reach them. He knows how to get their attention just like He got mine.”

The End

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