Kids with Morals

Being from a house of three boys and no sisters. I didn’t exactly gain an appreciation for barbie dolls and beauty pageants. I had power ranger bed sheets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on VHS. I like explosions and “The Walking Dead.” I love having dreams that I am one man against hordes of zombies.

I love sports and I don’t care who knows.

The only sister I had was a dog named Peggy.

That being said I was unleashed on the Distinguished Young Women of Phillips County, per the request of my editor.

The thought of Toddlers and Tiaras and Honey Boo Boo Child had me scared, but luckily this wasn’t that type of rodeo.

I have to say that the event was classy and those young women embodied the gracefulness that the “ideal” young lady would have.

Did I feel awkward at the event? Yes.

Though it isn’t my typical cup of tea, I was proud to see young women that we see every day, prove that they could not only be class acts, but that they were comfortable enough to express their feelings and talents to the whole of Phillips County.

That being said, if my wife and I have a girl one day, I hope that she is as strong and encouraging as Kourtney Simonson, as driven and focused as Thalia Medina and as sweet and considerate as the Howard twins.

But not nearly as beautiful as any of the contestants… That’s right, I hope she looks like a bulldog! With plenty of bite.

I hope she can out-throw Courtney Henry in the Javelin throw and can ball like Bobbi Knudsen and run like Sophia Stiles.

But seriously, with any of my kids I hope they try to do what’s right, try their hardest in everything they do and refuse to live in mediocrity.

I hope that my children will leave a legacy of excellence and not get lost in popular culture, with it’s latest trends and fashions.

I want my kids to stand up for what’s right and have a can–do attitude, even when their world is literally crumbling before them.

I want them to have a foundation firmer than mine and a reflection even greater.

I want my kids not to be slaves to anything other than righteousness, dignity and have a pure pride that isn’t condescending or ignorant.

I hope my kids live by truth, because the truth is missing at many times in our society, because everyone is afraid to offend one another.

The show formerly known as the Junior Miss Pageant did show me one thing last weekend, that there is still a generation out there that longs for truth and convictions.

Congratulations Kourtney and Kaycee, stay encouraging and elegant.

To the other contestants who may be discouraged, because they didn't make the next level, don't fret, because from what the crowd saw, you gave it your all and looked excellent doing it.

Not everyone can be put under a microscope and do what you did.

Personally I believe anyone of you could represent Phillips County in State or Nationals.

Last thought, the whole bulldog thing was a joke… I was kidding. No sane person would ever wish that on their kids…