Articles

Dear Gracie,

In just a few days, you’ll be graduating from high school, and my heart will simultaneously burst with joy and break for what’s left behind. Motherhood has made me familiar with this strange phenomenon of holding two contradictory emotions at once. Somehow, though, the sadness will be eclipsed by the gratitude your Dad and I feel as we remember God’s faithfulness to you and to us over these last eighteen years.

I wrote graduation articles for your sister and brother, and so the tradition must go on. When I thought about how to make your post unique, I immediately thought of your love of brain rot. You’ve made us lol so many times as we’ve tried to decipher your retelling of events. It’s kept us young at heart.

26 Timeless Truths

If you’re not familiar with the term “brain rot,” it’s basically Gen Z’s slang. What we called “cool,” they call “fire, peak, tuff, valid, or gas.” While expressions change, God’s timeless truths remain the same. Who knows if this list will read like hieroglyphics in a few months or years, but hopefully Gen Z’ers will pick up what I’m laying down. 

In honor of the Class of 2026, here are 26 timeless truths to carry with you into the future.

1. Lowkey, the most important advice: fear the Lord. It’s the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Prov. 9:10).
   
   
2. The world says, “Believe in yourself.” Scripture says, “Be strong in the Lord” (Eph. 6:10). That’s infinite tuff.
   
   
3. Abide in Jesus. Apart from him, you’ll be cooked (John 15:5).
   
   
4. Take your anxiety to God instead of TikTok or the group chat. Bet. (Matt. 6:33-34, Phil 4:6).
   
   
5. No matter what the world may offer you, the only valid flex is knowing and loving the Lord Jesus Christ (Jer. 9:23-24, Phil 3:8).
   
   
6. Don’t spend all your time online. Touch grass and remember who made it (Rom. 1:20).
   
   
7. Is this number 6 or 7?
   
   
8. Just because it’s viral doesn’t mean it’s biblical. Some theology online is extremely sus. Be discerning and be in the Word. (Col 2:8, 1 John 4:1).
   
   
9. Watch out for people who only want to spill the tea. That will no cap separate friends (Prov. 17:9).
   
   
10. Remember, no drip compares to being clothed with a gentle and quiet spirit (Rom. 13:14, 1 Pet. 3:3-4).
    
    
11. A lot of spiritual maturity is learning not to crash out when life gets hard. God’s got this, and God’s got you. (Jas. 1:2-4, Pro. 3:5-6).
    
    
12. Calling your mother ‘bruh’ is spiritually mid. If anything, I’m your ‘muh, not your ‘bruh. (Eph. 4:29, Eph. 6:1-2).
    
    
13. Revere Christ. He isn’t just GOAT’ed—He’s the King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19:16, Phil. 2:10-11).
    
    
14. Lock in on your studies. Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God! (Col 3:23, 2 Tim. 2:15).
    
    
15. Highkey, don’t ghost Christian community. We need each other IRL (Heb. 10:24-25).
    
    
16. When your QT feels like a checkbox—pursue holy leisure instead. IYKYK (Ps. 1:2).
    
    
17. Take all your emotions, the good, the bad, and the ugly, to God first. Fight the urge to doomscroll. Only Jesus can give you true peace. (1 Pet. 5:7; John 14:27).
    
    
18. Don’t be moved by boys who only glaze you, and don’t lead you toward Christ (Prov. 31:30).
    
    
19. Your laughter, personality, and quirkiness are what make you beautiful. Don’t be a brick to fit in (as if that were possible). (Ps. 139:14).
    
    
20. Leave main character energy to Jesus. It’s okay to play a supporting role. (John 3:30). 
    
    
21. Not every trend deserves your aura. A truly beautiful woman uses discretion in all things (Prov. 11:22).
    
    
22. We love that you’re niche in your love for children. We know God will bless that in your studies and future (Mk. 10:14).
    
    
23. Satan wants to diminish your duty to kill sin. It’s not legalism to armor up; it’s war. Facts. (Eph. 6:10-18).
    
    
24. Honoring your father and mother starts with texting back and coming home often. Period. (Eph. 6:1-2). 
    
    
25. Your name, Grace, is fire…and it suits you well. Continue to grow into it.
    
    
26. Solomon tried everything under the sun and still concluded that fearing God is peak (Ecc. 12:13).
    
    

Don’t cringe!

So Gracie,

You may know all the current brain-rot lingo, but you are also firmly established in the truth—and in this we greatly rejoice! Over the past 18 years, we’ve witnessed your childlike faith grow and mature alongside you. From the beginning, your life has been marked by the courage to walk in the truth, even when it was costly. You’ve trusted God when your road was filled with trials, hardship, and downright mistreatment. And through it all, you’ve maintained your sense of humor and trust in God’s perfect timing and plan. These character traits will serve you well in the future. And your future is bright.

I’m sure my efforts here will be cringe, or mid, or delulu. But whatever it is, know that it comes from a place of love. I love you. Fr.

Love,

Mom 

P.S. If you know and love a 2026 graduate, share the love by sharing this post!