Stepping out to realms unknown, Standing brave -- standing calm. A staff is passed upon your head, It's a new road
You now shall tread.
Authority -- a well-worn cloak
Adorns you -- at home, at work.
Tempered with love
As a peaceful dove;
Receive the staff -- press over the chaff
Molded by life,
Avoiding strife -
You've come this far
This very hour.
The blend within
Your very soul
Qualifies you for this goal.
Go forth!  your purpose clear;
Go forth!. . . far and near.
The scepter rules
Amidst life's blues;
The scepter rests
Between each test.
Success awaits at every turn,
At times you'll muse -
At times you111 burn.
Keep soberness and peace of mind,
You'll never be a leader who's blind.
Test your strength,
Strive mightily.
Sometimes defeat
precedes victory.
Choose the pace that best fits you.
Remembering past trials,
and how you got through.

Climb!!  Ascend!!!
View your acquisition.
Treasure it . . . . defend it. .
From the competition.
Prayerfully, meekly
Assemble your group;
As a sergeant unfolds
His plan to his troop.

Unity is assured
When all feel as one;
No one feels threatened,
When a day’s work is done.
Scoffers will diminish;
Your strength will be replenished;
And your scepter -- your prize
Will be finally realized.

So receive this authority
Symbolized by a staff.
Accept the responsibility
With a heart-rending laugh.
There’ll be times to reflect,
There’ll be times to smile,
There’ll be times you will wonder. .
“. . Was it I who chose this mile?”

It is your inner qualities
Which have designed you for this task,
It is your measure of faith. .
Poured out of an invisible flask
It is the former seeds you’ve sown,
Among the young and old,
That have brought you to this threshold,
To reap potential gold.

So benefit, dear sister,
In the years ahead;
From each and every path
Where your feet have tread.
Be enriched by understanding
Men. . . both great and small.
And words of praise shall form
From the lips of us all.

 

3 John 2: “I would that you
 prosper and be in good health,
even as your soul prospers.”