WEBVTT 00:00:07.978 --> 00:00:12.650 I have been consumed by sorrow and pain. 00:00:13.934 --> 00:00:18.848 A series of negative memories, harassing my soul and brain, 00:00:19.237 --> 00:00:21.656 reminding me of my past. 00:00:22.500 --> 00:00:26.084 Now, I'm a man of great faith, 00:00:26.844 --> 00:00:29.770 so I know that I will never finish last. 00:00:29.975 --> 00:00:35.241 However, my current surroundings only reminds me of the beautiful life 00:00:35.241 --> 00:00:37.216 that I once had. 00:00:37.950 --> 00:00:40.285 I had taken a lot of things for granted, 00:00:40.735 --> 00:00:43.328 because at that time I didn't appreciate it, 00:00:43.334 --> 00:00:45.438 nor did I understand it. 00:00:45.590 --> 00:00:48.436 Despite all of my storms and trials, 00:00:48.436 --> 00:00:50.425 I have traveled many miles, 00:00:50.839 --> 00:00:53.236 but the lessons along the way 00:00:53.236 --> 00:00:56.160 is what I have failed to examine. 00:00:56.809 --> 00:01:00.975 Life is precious, and is too short to waste, 00:01:01.641 --> 00:01:04.082 and I will surely tell you why: 00:01:04.609 --> 00:01:07.090 Because I went from a college campus 00:01:08.434 --> 00:01:10.942 to a prison campus. 00:01:13.642 --> 00:01:16.279 It all happened in the blink of an eye. 00:01:17.168 --> 00:01:20.620 My life has consisted of many ups and downs, 00:01:20.983 --> 00:01:23.406 many smiles and frowns, 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:27.667 but it's unfortunate because I am the ultimate reason 00:01:27.667 --> 00:01:30.701 as to why my life has been driven into the ground. 00:01:31.758 --> 00:01:35.347 Following false idols and repeating the same cycle, 00:01:35.352 --> 00:01:40.122 I was unaware of my situation, which had eventually became vital. 00:01:40.963 --> 00:01:43.855 My lust for women, a diseased mind, 00:01:43.855 --> 00:01:46.685 my neglect for the truth, substance abuse 00:01:46.685 --> 00:01:51.088 were all negative tools that I had used to destroy my youth. 00:01:52.638 --> 00:01:56.479 And now, honesty has become my truth. 00:01:57.323 --> 00:02:01.483 And now I'm sincerely devoted to making a difference in this world 00:02:01.630 --> 00:02:03.908 through every word that I have spoken. 00:02:05.529 --> 00:02:07.409 When I ... 00:02:10.525 --> 00:02:12.440 I'm sorry, I'm sorry. 00:02:13.738 --> 00:02:16.734 (Applause) NOTE Paragraph 00:02:23.381 --> 00:02:27.154 When I sit back and I think about all of the lives 00:02:27.154 --> 00:02:31.723 and the people that have been affected because of my actions, 00:02:32.558 --> 00:02:34.706 that guilt and that shame, 00:02:35.505 --> 00:02:37.839 it brings me deeper than the ocean. 00:02:39.481 --> 00:02:45.467 God's endless love and his mercy is my potion. 00:02:46.026 --> 00:02:49.220 That pure medicine that helps me to stand. 00:02:50.264 --> 00:02:55.129 No matter what I may endure or possibly suffer from, 00:02:55.776 --> 00:02:58.361 it's all a part of a greater plan. 00:02:59.500 --> 00:03:03.806 Love, courage, and determination NOTE Paragraph 00:03:04.717 --> 00:03:07.424 will lead me to the exoneration 00:03:07.424 --> 00:03:10.908 of all of my past failures and my regrets. 00:03:11.794 --> 00:03:15.576 And deep down in my soul, I know that this is true. 00:03:17.062 --> 00:03:23.006 Dedicated to my new way of life, along with repentance and change, 00:03:23.815 --> 00:03:26.566 I have now been consumed by you. 00:03:27.616 --> 00:03:29.900 God bless you all. Thank you very much. 00:03:31.084 --> 00:03:34.087 (Applause) (Cheers)