PeekabooNWA

A Father’s Dream

Posted on 31. Jan, 2010 by admin in A Dad's View

As a father of three, I have a dream; though I never dreamt that I would have three children (never say never)– I have a dream to one day know that I impacted my kids in such a dynamic way that they instinctively practiced what I and their mom tried to instill in them; hopefully more of the positive things than the mistakes. Principles such as making an impact on their generation by putting a high priority on the needs of others and being blessed by blessing them, knowing to choose the straight and narrow road while others are persuading them to veer off to the right or to the left, and understanding that family is the heartbeat of a successful life. The Bible teaches that old men will dream dreams and young men shall see visions. One of the greatest “dreamers” of any father of our generation was Martin Luther King Jr. His dream was so dynamic and passionate that it drove America to take great strides in becoming the “united” states of America.

My family was fortunate to join many other families and students from Northwest Arkansas to take advantage of the privilege of listening to MLK Jr.’s son, Martin Luther King III, speak at the Town Center in Fayetteville courtesy of the University of Arkansas distinguished Speaker group on the night after the nation observed his birthday with a national holiday. Martin Luther King III leads a non-profit organization call “Realizing the Dream” – the dream that his father had for the America that MLK III and his brother and sisters would grow up in. It was an experience that transcended generations and one that impacted me as a son and a father. It was inspiring to hear MLK III talk about his dad in such a way that you knew that the ten years from the time he was born until the day his dad was gunned down made a huge impact and inspired him to catch the vision of a better America and do what he could to help our nation realize his father’s dream.

Unfortunately, I cannot speak to what MLK III’s entire speech was about; because my wife, Cassandra, and I took shifts taking the baby out to the hallway so others could take in the whole speech. But, the first half of the speech was surreal in a couple of different ways. It brought a reality to all the videos of MLK Jr. shown over the MLK Jr. Holiday. In addition, it was moving to know that when MLK III would say “my dad” he was referring to one of the greatest dreamers of all-time.

MLK III believes that the America we know today would be even a better place if his dad was not gunned down before seeing his dream move toward reality. What else could we hope for as fathers than to have our surviving children believe that our community, our country, and our world would be a better place if we were still alive. I challenge you dads to dream dreams that your children may catch the vision and make those dreams not only a reality but a life-changing legacy; in their life and the lives of others. I have a dream.

By the way, I always find myself rooting for the underdog a lot of times; therefore this month is one of my favorite. For having fewer days than any other month, February holds its own with Valentines Day, Black History Month, Presidents Day, Ground Hog Day, (my mother’s birthday) and of course – PEEKABOO’s birthday. Happy 2nd Birthday PEEKABOO!