DAD: Never Afraid
“Girls, when doing God’s work we have no reason to fear.” Dad laughed as he told me what he said to two high school girls on their way to New York City for a missions trip.
The humor of his wisdom came in the middle of the trip when a big man came out of an apartment complex yelling at these two girls. Apparently the man didn’t like the fact that the kids were being invited to a children's rally where they would see magic shows, hear stories, and enjoy snacks. The children were encouraged to bring their parents with them.
“What are you introducing these children to? You have nothing for them,” the man declared with a Haitian accent. My Dad, realizing the man had turned his aggressiveness on the two teenage girls from church, came to the rescue.
“Can I help you?” Dad asked.
“I have a problem with these two girls.” The man said.
“If you have a problem with them, you have a problem with me.” Looking back Dad couldn’t believe it, but the man went nose to nose with Dad. He made mention of the terrible teaching the group might introduce to ‘his people,’ making a reference to race. My Dad had two comments for the man.
Dad first said, “Judging by your accent, these kids are more my people than your people.” Then Dad asked if the man allowed his children to watch television. When the fellow answered positively Dad then made a second point, “The message we have is much safer and better for your kids than what your television teaches them.”
The man, not knowing what else to say looked Dad in the eyes with the same anger and aggressiveness he started with and said again in broken English, “Good points, I would like to have the flyer for your program now.”
