Column: MP Weeks On Back To School Blessing
[Column written by MP Michael Weeks]
The following blessing was prepared for the First Church of God North Shore Back-to-School Service in September 2026. While I was recovering from the flu and unable to attend, my colleague, Minister Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, kindly delivered it on my behalf. As students return to the classroom, I wanted to share these words with the wider community.
The Book of Psalms reminds us of how God sees children and young people.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward…. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:3-5.
Some people will try to call them all sorts of names. Rude. Unruly. Loud.
But no. These are arrows.
This is the next generation with the precision to change the direction of the next generation.
If alcoholism ran in your family, these ones will grow up and choose sobriety. If no one in your family had the chance to attend college, these are the ones who will be the first to walk the college halls.
These are the ones who will grow up and choose unity over divisiveness. These are the ones who will change not only the bloodline for good.
They will change the tide of the nation.
Because when God places arrows in your hand, He never intended for them to remain in the quiver. They were meant to fly.
And this is the blessing that I have for you today:
That you will be great.
That you will go further than we have gone.
That you will reach places that we could only dream about.
Young people, I was raised by people who taught me that character and hard work speak louder than any title.
The reason I share that with you is because every one of us needs people who will guide us as we grow.
Young people, I encourage you to find the elders in your community who are cheering you on, wishing you well and praying for you.
Another thing that I have learned is that you don’t need a title to do what is right.
You don’t need a title to work hard.
You don’t need a title to be kind.
You don’t need a title to help someone else.
Whether you get rewarded for doing your homework.
Whether you get recognized for studying.
Whether anyone notices you being kind to a classmate.
Keep doing it.
As you prepare to return to school, this is my prayer for you:
May you always feel the love of your family, your friends, and those who have gone before you surrounding you as you walk through this school year.
May your mind always be sharp. May you have the confidence to speak up and never make yourself small. May you always know that you are beautiful, inside and out. May you have success in and out of school.
May your friendships be supportive. May you always have everything you need to learn and grow. May jealousy, danger, accidents, and death be far from you. May God place His hand of protection over your life and order your steps.
Have a beautiful school year, and may the peace of God surround you throughout the year.
- MP Michael Weeks
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