Holly Arbon Brown

Don’t Miss The Miracle

Response Paper

Thank you so much for providing us with the opportunity to experience the insights and

example of Professor Cathy Black. One thing about this speech that I really like is the idea that

we must not take the blessings in our life for granted. The poem from Helen Keller really

prompts me to be more conscientious of my blessings. I think that as humans, we have a

tendency to always be looking forward to some great event in the future that will bring us the

happiness we seek. Yet that desired satisfaction always seems to be just out of reach. ‘I’ll be

happy when I’m graduated.’ ‘I’ll be happy when I lose 20 lbs.’ ‘I’ll be happy when I get

married.’ ‘I’ll be happy when I have a child.’ ‘I’ll be happy when my child is school-aged.’ The

list could go on and on, pushing back our satisfaction and happiness for some far-off tomorrow

that never seems to come.

As a dancer, I sometimes place my happiness on what I am involved in. Telling myself

that I will be worthwhile when I have made a certain team. I am coming to understand, however,

that placement on a team doesn’t define happiness or worth. Just because I am on a particular

team doesn’t automatically imply that I am a great dancer. I can work today to improve and

become the person I want to be. It is who we are that defines us more than what titles we hold.

As we find joy in the journey and never give up, we can discover who the Lord wants us to be.

We can glimpse our true potential as children of God.

Finally, I really loved how Professor Black was always looking for the tender miracles

that the Lord has placed in her life. She is a great example of someone who is earnestly seeking

to discern and follow the promptings of the spirit. Especially now, I am learning a lot from her

example as she humbly admits weaknesses and struggles but always tries her best. I am grateful

for the time that I have had to get to know Professor Cathy Black.