Sometimes the road to your calling takes far longer than you ever imagined.

On this special episode of Like It Matters Radio, Mr. Black shares the powerful valedictorian address he delivered after completing a journey that took 42 years to finish—a journey marked by abuse, homelessness, military service, self-doubt, setbacks, and ultimately, God’s faithfulness.

Beginning with his story of being kicked out of his home at sixteen, Mr. Black reminds graduates that while everyone may arrive at the same destination, no one travels the same road.

At the heart of his message is one life-changing phrase:

“But God.”

No matter what comes before it…

    •    But I’m not smart enough.

    •    But I’ve failed.

    •    But my past…

    •    But my trauma…

    •    But my circumstances…

“But God” changes the ending of the story.

Drawing from Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10, and Romans 8:28, Mr. Black reminds listeners that God creates His people to be effective in the very environment He knows they will face. Your struggles were never hidden from Him. Your future has never caught Him by surprise.

He also shares one of his favorite illustrations from George Bernard Shaw, challenging listeners not to spend life wishing they had become someone else, but to become the person God created them to be.

This isn’t just a graduation speech.

It’s a message for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re too late, too broken, or too far behind to fulfill their purpose.

Because your past explains part of your story…

It does not write the ending.

This is an Hour of Power about perseverance, identity, purpose, and the God who has been writing your story all along.

The road may have been long.

But God.

Inspiration. Education. Application.

When you live your life like it matters… it does.