By Betty J. Halliburton

There was a song out a couple of years ago from the motion picture "Space Jam" called "I Believe I Can Fly."

While speaking at several middle and high school graduations and other events recently, I realized, that the song is still being played as an anthem for success.

The song speaks of a vision. It makes personal affirmations. It talks about soaring to higher heights and deeper depths.

The biggest problem that today's youth are dealing with can be pointed out in the title of the song.

I tell young people that they must first BELIEVE. Believe in what? First, they must believe on the Lord with all of their hearts and lean not to their own understanding, but in all of their ways acknowledge Jesus Christ and He will direct their paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God will give you the confidence to believe in yourself because He is our hope, our refuge, our strength and our provider. Remember, if God is for us, it is more than the whole wide world against us!

Secondly, the title of the song makes a self-proclaimed affirmation, "I can." Young people and old alike must realize that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. With Christ in our lives, there is no way we should have low self-esteem. "I can" establishes that you have the ability to succeed because of the Christ in you!

Lastly, the word "fly" allows our minds to soar to a vision of an eagle. From the beginning of time, the eagle has been regarded as a symbol of courage, power and remarkable strength. Known for its speed, the eagle makes his home in the heights of the mountains where he is inaccessible. His keen vision has an estimated sight range of three miles allowing him to be aware of all that is going on around him. When an eagle sees a storm approaching, he does not run away. Instead, he turns, spreads his awesome wings and flies directly into the storm. The wind of the storm actually lifts the eagle up high above the clouds.

You too can mount up with wings as eagles. Seek the Lord for direction. Put all of your trust in him. Then you can truly say "I Believe I Can Fly."