As a conservative and man of principle, I was ready to cancel the trip and do something else. But as a loving father, I knew I couldn’t explain this to my 4-year-old (nor should she be exposed to this at her age). So my mind went to work. I was more than annoyed, I was appalled that Disney, a company that WE THE PEOPLE had supported all these years.
I quickly jumped online and designed the shirt "GOD MADE MAN & WOMAN". As I went to get it printed, I got a message from the online shirt company (Rush Order Tees) that they were not going to print the shirt. This only added fuel to my fire as I saw that people were either scared to speak out against companies that supported this or they were in favor of these views.
That’s when I knew someone had to get up and take charge. Looking at the astonishingly light speed at which this woke culture is pervading society, if I had waited any longer, it would be too late. So, I decided to do it myself and let my voice be heard. As we know God always gives us everything we need. Thankfully all it took was one phone call to a personal contact and the shirts were at my doorstep just in time for the trip. My light was about to shine, and shine it did!!! (Matthew 5:16).
When I wore this shirt to Magic Kingdom, I honestly had no idea what the reaction would be. Would I be asked to leave the park or remove the shirt? Would people even take notice? After all I am just another guy with a shirt on. Man was I ever in for a surprise!
The response and feedback, was truly amazing. I can't count how many times I was stopped and praised for the shirt (by guests and yes; even employees) or asked to have my picture taken or questioned where I bought it from. The biggest praise and truly inspiring moment for me came at the end of the first night.
As we were leaving an older gentleman tapped me on my shoulder. I looked over and he had his hand outstretched. When we firmly shook hands he looked me in the eyes and said I had to come and thank you for being brave enough to wear that shirt. It is needed so much today. As I agreed I noticed he was wearing a USMC hat. I immediately asked if he served and thanked him for doing so. His response was "No Thank You." As he turned and limped away he went and sat back in his wheelchair. I looked at my wife and I knew right then What I had to do. The fight today isn't overseas. It is right here on our soil and if we do not STAND UP NOW for what is right we are doing ourselves and our children a huge disservice. The rest of the week on vacation I continued to wear the shirt and the feedback was nothing short of inspiring.
