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All He Needs

A “Walking Case Study for Pro-Life”

A “Walking Case Study for Pro-Life”…that’s how I have referred to myself sometimes.  Of all the social and political issues, Pro-Life is something that hits close to home for me.  My dad even tells that in the delivery room, I was placed in a corner of the room after having the customary post-birth suction, etc, done.  I was left alone in that corner and for lack of a better way to put it, I was “given a chance to die.”  Now, that was 28 (almost 29) years ago, but the fact remains that a doctor made the decision that my life may not be worth living.

Well, obviously I didn’t agree with that decision and even in the delivery room, I had a fighting spirit that wouldn’t give in.  So, 28 years later, I was given the chance to speak to over 800 people fighting for the Pro-Life cause.  This past Tuesday evening, my dad and I were in Visalia, CA at the Tulare-Kings Right to Life annual banquet, and we were featured as the keynote speakers.  As you can see above, the banquet hall was quite large, and beautifully decorated for the event.

My dad and I presented our “All He Needs” presentation, with a few twists to make it more appropriate for the event.  Dad spoke about how they were asked soon after my birth if abortion would have been an option had they known of the physical nature of my body while I was in the womb.  Dad said that he answered the same then as he would now, “Abortion was never in our minds and never would have entered our minds, had we known of Chet’s limb deficiency.” 

I concluded our presentation, after many stories and life lessons, by issuing a challenge to live a happy, positive life.  “If I can do it, so you can you,” I told the attendees.  I finished by singing Garth Brooks, “The River,” which is a wonderfully inspirational song about living your dreams. 

We had a wonderful time in Visalia, CA, and the Tulare-Kings Right to Life organization is to be praised for the work they are doing in helping to educate the public on these important issues.

Dawson Middle School – Go Dragons!

Jim and Chet McDoniel present at Dawson Middle SchoolThis morning, my dad and I were invited to speak at Dawson Middle School in Southlake, TX.  We have adapted our “All He Needs Presentation” for middle school students, and love getting to talk to a youthful audience.  We did this same presentation at Dawson last school year.  I must be honest…when I was asked to do this last year…I really had some concerns.  I mean, Jr. High was many years ago for me and even more for my dad.  How do you talk to seventh graders?

Well, let me tell you…when the seventh graders you are speaking to are “Dragons” at Dawson Middle School, you have nothing to worry about!  These students were among the most well-behaved kids I have ever been around.  They paid excellent attention and asked great questions!  My dad and I had a wonderful time speaking to them, and I hope that we were able to uplift and encourage with our presentation. 

Chet McDoniel speaks about being happy at Dawson Middle School in Southlake, TXI challenged the “Dragons” to a smile experiment.  Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to intentionally smile all day tomorrow when someone makes eye contact with them.  I can’t wait to hear the results of how a few smiles can raise the spirits of a school!  If you are a “Dragon” that heard us this morning, please comment below on how the smile experiment goes tomorrow!

Jim and Chet McDoniel are available for school presentations like the one you read about above.  To request more information, please click on “Contact Information” at the top of the page.