MOUNT OLIVE –New York Times Best-Selling Author, Influencer, and Founder of Live Original Sadie Robertson-Huff spoke to a packed house at the University of Mount Olive’s spring commencement.
Robertson-Huff first appeared on the popular TV show Duck Dynasty and was later featured on Dancing with the Stars. Since then, Robertson-Huff has used her platform to share the gospel and encourage others to live lives dedicated to Christ. Her selection as the University’s keynote commencement speaker was intentional. Earlier this year the University premiered The Blind, a movie featuring the life and spiritual journey of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson, Sadie’s grandfather. Following the screening, over 30 students gave their lives to Christ and were baptized on the campus. In the months following, many more students made a profession of faith totaling nearly 80.
Robertson-Huff is the host of the popular podcast WHOA, That’s Good, which reaches millions of listeners each month. Her Live Original blog features encouraging and transparent messages from Robertson-Huff and her closest friends. She also hosts an online community and app, LO Sister, designed to cultivate sisterhood through Bible studies and workshops.
During the 9:30 AM commencement ceremony held in Kornegay Arena, Robertson-Huff delivered an inspirational message about the challenges of making significant choices in life and the importance of discovering one’s purpose and fulfilling it. She emphasized the need for preparation and trust in life’s next steps, and the importance of trusting in God’s providence and guidance in times of uncertainty. Robertson-Huff shared her journey of discovering and following God’s lead for her life, emphasizing the importance of staying faithful and taking the next step, even when the outcome is uncertain.
“You put in the hard work, you did what you needed to do to be confident to take the next step in life,” she said. “But now you’re going to have to let faith and let God lead you along the way. The only thing that will give you the confidence to take the next step is the willingness to put one foot in front of the other as you go. And let me be honest, it might feel like falling and not flying at first, but falling teaches you how to walk, and walking teaches you how to run.”
Robertson-Huff referenced a scripture in the Bible from Matthew 6:34 ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own,” she recited. She also referenced the passage in Genesis when Abraham brought his son Isaac to the mountain because God called him to do that. “Now that was extremely intimidating,” she said. “You see sometimes you have to show up to the place in the mountain to see God is the provider that He will be. In life, we often want to know everything that we are stepping into. However, faith is having confidence in the things that we hope for, and the assurance in things that we cannot see. God is a God who guides you like a good shepherd. He will make your paths straight. You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end. You see, there are some things in life that are obvious, and other things in life that require faith. Rest in God and know that He writes the best stories. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but because I know who the God of tomorrow is, I am ready to take my next step. So cheers to all of you and cheers to your next step!”
Following Robertson-Huff’s speech, UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom challenged graduates by saying, “As you begin a new journey in life, using the degree that you have earned, never forget to keep Jesus in the conversation. Our motto around campus has been to focus, dream, and serve. It is our prayer that you will continue to dream and serve all of mankind as you embark on a new journey.” President Croom announced the start of a new tradition for UMO graduates. In addition to diplomas, each graduate received a leather-bound Bible signed by the University’s faculty and staff and presented by Robertson-Huff.
Board Chair and UMO Alumnus Earl Worley said, “It is our hope and prayer that you are leaving this University well-prepared intellectually, morally, and spiritually to face the world. We trust that you will take with you wonderful memories of your experiences. In addition, be grateful to those who have helped make your journey possible.”
This year’s spring graduating class represented students from 3 continents, 7 countries, and 21 states in America. Of the 279 graduates, 19 received associate degrees, 229 received bachelor’s degrees, and 31 were awarded master’s degrees.
Closing out the ceremony, UMO Alumni Association President Julie Graham welcomed the class of 2024 to the family and urged them to stay connected with their alma mater. “The bonds you have formed here will continue to be a source of strength and support as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.
This is awesome! Keeping faith alive and giving graduates Bibles! Makes my heart happy
Scraping the bottom of the barrel. I would be very mad if my child ( small or adult) was given a bible at any even unless it was in or around a religious building or grounds. Talk about indoctrination…
Life without the Word of God, is bitter, and hopeless. You should Be thankful this Christian School, University is planting minds and hearts in the truth which will help each student have a life full of hope and their destines of joy.
Do you realize it’s a private, Christian school so if you or your child attends they are making the choice to be faithful and have God in their coursework. Giving a Bible to every graduate is an amazing gift.
Yes Jen I realize it is a religious affiliated university – therefore I would think that anyone old enough to be graduating from there would have their own religious text (of their choice). I am assuming no one was forced to take anything from Mrs. Robertson-Huff and I hope that is an accurate assumption on my part.
I also believe if any “gift” that graduates received – a Bible isn’t really going to help them in their path after graduation – but at least it wasn’t a Duck Dynasty book or video series or a horrid book of the virtues of being a “trad-wife” – all of which would have been just as bad if not worse. My opinion of course. At least the job market for graduates is very healthy for the ones entering the work force. Furthering their education is also another option I hope some will choose to do as well.
Mrs Robertson-Huff wasn’t the one giving out the Bible’s, the University was and stated it will be a yearly tradition at graduation. It’s an awesome gift that will change lives for those that choose to read it and embrace it. No one is making them read it or even keep it so no indoctrination is occurring, just providing a wonderful gift to all. Most colleges and universities just give the “gift” of student loans and a liberal worldview not a real, tangible gift.
It is Baptist university.
The most valuable thing one of the students at UMO could receive is the free gift of Salvation while they are on campus. It would, in fact, be much more valuable than anything else they learn while there. After this life there is an eternity to be spent in one of two places. I know where I’m going because I surrendered to Jesus when I was 31. Leighlah, If you haven’t surrendered to Him, please consider it.
She’s just another Woke liberal who has gone on record supporting woke Disney and other woke companies. She’s s hypocritical flip-flopper, no better than a SOCAILST. #DoBetterUMO
You mean, she has different opinions on various subjects, and doesn’t blindly march in lockstep with the left, or the right? *GASP* How un-American!
@Jamie: I mean she preaches “family values” and yet fully supports woke companies that violate those values. I guess “practice what you preach” means something different to her (and you). You (and she) should re-read Matthew 23:3. #hypocrites
Love reading this! UMO is changing lives in a positive manner. Proud to say my daughter will be a freshman there this fall.