The Beatitudes for Real Life Guest Speaker Speech — Miss & Mr. Laverne Pageant Brunch 2025 by Kelly Boone-Brown
This week, I was honored to be asked to be the guest speaker to a group of almost-seniors who were vying for the titles of Miss and Mr. Laverne. I was excited because I taught these students when they were just little 7th graders. After much thought and prayer, I felt led to speak about the Beatitudes and how they can be applied to “real life.” I focused on meaning, application, and encouragement with a touch of humor to keep things spicy. I decided to share my speech and precious handout I made as a “cheat sheet.” They didn’t fall asleep like they used to in my 7th grade geography class, so I am hopeful that maybe, just maybe, I’ll be asked to speak again!
Good morning, everyone! Brandi, thank you for asking me to speak this morning. I’ve tried for the past four years to be a guest speaker, but no one would hire me – even for free! I figured you were either desperate or have no guest speaker budget – or both!
Contestants – you look beautiful and handsome! I’m so glad I can speak with you today about walking boldly and graciously into your senior year and beyond.
I’ve worn many hats in my lifetime, but ‘pageant mom’ was not one I saw coming. When Karly wanted to compete in 2020, I was unprepared for the stress and heartbreak we all experienced when she didn’t place. Two years later, Chance and I begged and tried to bribe Presley not to compete, but Karly assured us that Presley would have a better experience than she did. Basically, she told us to surrender and let God be in control, and begrudgingly, we finally agreed. Honestly, I was more nervous when Karly competed than when Presley did – but it was only by God’s grace and some Xanax that got me through the evening.
But seriously… the pageant world is not for the weak! I admire you all for being strong enough to walk across the stage tonight. And that leads me into something that really matters —your heart, your year ahead, and how to walk into it boldly .
“The Beatitudes” — Not Just for Sunday School
You may or may not have heard the Beatitudes before. It’s a list of eight qualities, or attitudes, found in Matthew 5 that Jesus gave during what’s known as the Sermon on the Mount . Speaking to his followers, Jesus outlines what the kingdom of heaven considers blessings, which differ from what the world defines as blessed. Jesus didn’t hand out rules here. He gave us a roadmap on how to live a fulfilling life, even through the most challenging times.
But I want you to focus on what isn’t in the Beatitudes. He didn’t say:
“Blessed are the loudest.”
“Blessed are the most Instagram-worthy.”
“Blessed are the ones with the scholarships, the state championship rings, or the most likes on TikTok.”
No, Jesus said things that were totally backward from what the world says. And that’s what makes them so powerful—especially for seniors trying to figure out who they are and where they’re going.
Let’s walk through them. I’m going to read each Beatitude, and then we’ll discuss what it looks like in real life —not just church life or your resume—but in everyday life, such as the school’s hallways, sports, group chats, and eventually, dorm rooms or shared apartments.
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3 NASB95) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who know they can’t do it all on their own.”
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of what’s next. That doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human . And Jesus meets us right there.
Devotional Story (Personal): not being strong —I met God in a way I never had before. And you know what? It wasn’t the end of me. It was the beginning of something new and something better.
Encouragement :
2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who aren’t afraid to feel the hard stuff.”
Grief isn’t just about death. It’s losing friendships and saying goodbye to the everyday people in your lives, like your teachers, underclassmen, and administrators. Graduating is more than leaving your old bedroom behind. That weird ache you feel about graduating? That’s mourning, too. And Jesus wept for the pain and loss this world would suffer because He experienced it, also, so He could relate to your feelings and guide you through it.
Encouragement :
3. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5) Real-life version :
“Meek ≠ weak. Meek = strong but gentle. Think inner strength wrapped in humility. Blessed are those who are kind and steady—who don’t need to shout to be strong.”
Gentleness is not weakness. It’s power under control. It’s walking away from gossip. It’s smiling at the supposed friend who ignored you last week. It’s typing out a nasty Snap (full of typos) to send to that ‘friend,’ but then you delete it before hitting send because maybe he/she has a good reason for the snub. Everyone has bad days and needs grace – including yourself.
Encouragement :
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Matt. 5:6) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who crave more than popularity or praise—they crave truth .”
Your soul wasn’t made to live off others’ approval or Instagram likes. You were made for a purpose – one according to God’s will, not yours, not your parents, not your friends, and not social media.
Encouragement :
5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (Matt. 5:7) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who forgive, especially when it’s hard.”
Your friends will mess up. Your mom will annoy you. Someone you trust will betray you. Your ex might show up at prom with someone new. But forgiveness? That’s power. That’s maturity. That’s Christ. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:27-28, Luke 6:35b-36.
Encouragement :
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matt. 5:8) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who keep their hearts clean and their eyes on Jesus.”
Purity is more than just about dating. It’s what you watch, what you scroll, what you think about when no one’s looking. As a teacher who strongly believes in teaching Character Counts, one of the foundations is integrity – doing the right thing even when no one sees. But truthfully, God knows your heart better than you do because He formed it to be in a relationship with Him.
Encouragement :
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who speak life, not drama.”
Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean you’re silent. It means you bring calm into chaos. You break the chains of gossip. You offer kindness when you could offer a comeback. Grace > griping.
In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Devotional Story (Hypothetical):
8.“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10) Real-life version :
“Blessed are those who walk the narrow path, even when it costs them.”
We live in an increasingly secular world. Do you know what secularism means? Google defines it as, “…describing activities, attitudes, or areas of life that are not explicitly religious or related to faith.” In essence, God is not at the center of our society, our homes, and our daily lives. An individualistic, self-absorbed worldview is pushing God out – “I can do it myself. I am my own master. I, I, I…” This world doesn’t always celebrate honesty and integrity. But God does. And He’s got your back when you walk through the valleys alone.
Encouragement :Heaven will . Walking the narrow path means to make good choices based on His Word and His will – not what the world says are good, moral choices. If it doesn’t align with God’s Word, boldly choose to walk with Christ.
Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Students, you only have one senior year (of high school) – I hope. One last year to walk LHS’s halls with courage, kindness, and bold faith. You’re not just pretty and handsome faces in a small, northwest Oklahoma town—you have purpose. You possess boldness and strength within you because you walk with Jesus. You are blessed on the mountaintop, and you are blessed in the valley. Psalm 23 says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
So when you walk across the old Shackelford Hall stage—whether it’s for a pageant or graduation—I hope you do it with your head high, your heart pure, and your eyes on Jesus.
Be bold. Be kind. Be blessed.
Because blessed are the bold.
Closing Prayer
{My cute cheat sheet} “Blessed Are the Bold: Living the Beatitudes in the Real World”
by Kelly Boone-Brown
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” ~Matthew 5:3, NASB95
Meaning
Real
2. “Blessed are those who mourn…” ~Matthew 5:4
Meaning
Real
3. “Blessed are the meek…” ~Matthew 5:5
Meaning
Real
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” ~Matthew 5:6
Meaning
Real
5. “Blessed are the merciful…” ~Matthew 5:7
Meaning
Real
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart…” ~Matthew 5:8
Meaning
Real
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers…” ~Matthew 5:9
Meaning
Real
8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…” ~Matthew 5:10
Meaning
Real : “Be the type of person who’s known for your courage, not your conformity.”
Romans 12:2 states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Wallflowers 