Dear Emerson

Emerson -

As the day of your arrival comes closer, I can't help but wonder about you. Of course, like everyone else, we wonder your skin color, hair color, hair texture....but so much more than that, will you have your daddies calm and patient personality, or will you be like me, or a mix. Know this...no matter what, you are dearly loved and you are WANTED.

There are so many things I want to tell you, so many dreams that I have for you you.

First of all and most important, put your faith and hope in Jesus Christ our Savior. He took your place for your sins and wants you to have abundant life. May your life be for His glory and be a reflection of Him.

Be a leader...instead of following your friends, lead them. When you have a family, lead your family. Lead like Jesus, not domineering, but as a servant. Lead by example. With how you live your life, and how you treat others, with how you work.

Work hard. It will get you far in life. Even if you don't like the job or have a passion for it, WORK HARD. There will be many life lessons you will learn through this, but I guarantee you will have no regrets if you worked hard.

Choose your friends wisely. Choose people that lift you up, encourage you and make you a better person.

Put others first. You will have trials in many relationships and friendships, but if you put others first, you will know you have done the right thing.

Remain pure. This will be hard. There are pressures in relationships; from your peers, from the world, but your purity is worth the trials. On top of that I pray you are a man that keeps your future girlfriends pure as well. Don't pressure them. Think of them and there emotions. Keep them pure too.

Have compassion. In the world you will hear that men are to have strength, don't be confused, this doesn't mean you can't have compassion for others. Always put the needs of others above your own and give of yourself whole heartedly.

I pray you have integrity. Do the honest thing. It's not always the easy path, but it's the right path. That will mean you will need to own up to your mistakes. Trust me when I say that covering them up won't make them right or go away, but that it will only make it worse. Do the right thing, even when no one is looking and even if no one will ever find out (however, I will say, they almost always come out).

As your parents we will try to teach you these things and more. We love you deeply and want Gods best for your life.