2004 THIRD PLACE WINNER
PSALT Essay
Cameron Morse

Questions of identity have captured the thoughts of my youth. I know I have changed, I know it is impossible to fathom just how much. Even now I can identify many different powers working in and through my life. While many of these will fade into my subconscious, the imprint Debate has left upon my mind will always be indelible. It is truly impossible to fathom my identity without it.

Above anything else, I have been changed by the passion, by the suffering, by the compassion, by the sincerity, and by the love of those involved. When Debate Tournaments unravel, so do we. I have seen the raw emotions of my friends and adversaries exposed in the turmoil of the day. They have moved me to respect. Over the past few years I have caught a glimpse of what glows in their hearts. There is no cage able to contain what they have, no inhibition able to challenge who they are destined to become.

They have changed me. They lifted me up when I stumbled. When faced with the prospects of loneliness and weakness, I have taken refuge in them.

The affects Debate has had on my mind will never leave me. From round to round my faith in truth has by no means diminished, but steadily increased. When Debate is reduced to its simplest form, it is a search for truth. One side presents its idea; the other contradicts that idea with its own. The Judicator must make a choice between the two. The harder we seek out the truth the closer we will come to comprehending it. The comprehension of the truth is necessary in order to present it to others.

In a world bent on perpetuating lies, the truth is commonly cast into exile. It is obscured and smudged over until only a faint shallow remains. Debate has taught my mind to look past the distractions, to see through the distortions, and perceive the truth in its purest form. Somehow Debate has equipped my mind to find truth, and that is a stunning thing to recognize.

The Debate Process has affected me in other ways. I've learned that winning in itself is a painfully shallow goal, and will award you nothing. I've learned that friendships are far more important than victories. I've learned that depending on a Debate verdict to affirm your ability is a tragedy.

I've learned that Providence is the master of all things. Through Debate I have witnessed the perfection of God's will. I have seen the masterpiece unfold, I have had the pleasure to participate in it. Debate tournaments are not determined by our abilities, but by the plan of God.

As I have observed Providence touch every aspect of Debate, I have also observed it moving in my own life. I have faith that everyone is designed for a purpose. While what God had in mind when he created me remains a mystery, I feel as if some piece of it has been revealed through Debate. The gifts I have been given remain clouded and hindered, but through Debate I have recognized them. The process continues. Debate has altered the course of my life. The suspense remains.

I credit any success I have had in Debate to my Creator, may I capture his essence.

I am eternally grateful for the love and loyalty shown to me by my friends.