Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, mollymaid.com/birmingham
My twin brother and I moved to the Big Oak Boys’ Ranch in 7th grade, needing a change in environment and someone to lead us down the right path. The Ranch was a great place to grow up. There were fields for sports, a basketball court, two lakes to fish, and countless other activities that all young boys need in life. But there were also rules for everyone to help set them on the right path. These rules and guidelines helped me grow into the man I am today: learning to properly do chores, learning honorable habits and social etiquettes, caring about academics, setting goals, respecting every human being and supremely respecting the Lord. These teachings provided training for fatherhood by modeling everything I needed to know in life so that, now, I am able to pass these qualities on to my child.
Every night, my son, Thorin, and I share a special time together as we read the Bible. This simple ritual has deepened our bond and allowed me the incredible opportunity to lead him to Christ. At just eight years old, his excitement about Jesus is contagious, and it consumes me with joy.
The moment I guided him in his faith journey was a milestone for both of us, and now he is eagerly looking forward to his baptism. Each day, I ask him, “Who loves you the most in the world?” His response warms my heart, as he enthusiastically includes God, Jesus, the angels and me in his answer. I couldn’t be more proud to be his father and witness his love for Jesus grow.
Reflecting on my own upbringing at Big Oak Ranch, I am thankful for the lessons I learned there about what truly matters as a parent. The values instilled in me at the Ranch have shaped the way I model love and support for my son. I firmly believe that Big Oak Ranch changes every child for the better, and it remains one of the most significant experiences of my life. I feel incredibly lucky to pass on those invaluable lessons to my son as we navigate this beautiful journey of life together.
-Dominic McMath