In April, I was privileged to spend some memorable time with Michael
Reagan, our newest American Hero. (The photo of us above was taken at the National Memorial for the Unborn in
Chattanooga, TN.) I witnessed two standing ovations after his remarks at a fund raiser for
Bryan College and then, again, at a chapel service for their students the
next morning. I could not tell who appreciated him more the seasoned adults or
the young college students! In between the events we had some
candid conversations regarding his political, cultural and spiritual views. I
was captivated by his genuine faith and humble transparency. As I stood and
applauded for him after his dinner speech I whispered to a friend beside me, who
was also standing, something like, "Michael Reagan is a national treasure" and,
indeed, he is.
Michael Reagan, adopted son of Ronald
Reagan and Academy Award winning actress, Jane Wyman, is probably the best
flag-bearer of his father's legacy, for three important reasons. First, Michael,
from the numerous hours of father/son time as a young boy, was able to develop a
special personal relationship with his dad. One can find many delightful stories
in Michael's book, The New Reagan
Revolution. In person, Michael is gifted at delivering them with a unique
and animated warmth. Secondly, Michael shares his dad's conservative political
beliefs and does a wonderful job giving speeches and
presentations about Reaganomics and the Reagan Revolution. Finally, Michael, as expressed so passionately at
President Reagan's memorial service, shares his father's heart-felt
Christian faith. Both were profoundly affected by their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Michael's powerful spiritual journey is retold in his book, Twice
Adopted.
Obviously, Michael is a wonderful resource for those of us who loved
his dad, but, in my mind, Michael is most heroic, for his courage to risk public
embarrassment by candidly revealing, and continuing to tell to multiple
audiences, his heartbreaking childhood story. The world did not know, including
Ronald and Nancy Reagan, until Michael revealed years later, that he had been
molested over an extended period when he was in the third grade. There are not
many who would willingly subject themselves to the potential shame and scrutiny
of such a revelation. But, in his sincere desire to help children, Michael,
without being graphic, very clearly tells what happened and the adverse effects
of the "victim mentality" he suffered as a result. Thank goodness he is also
able to marvelously articulate the comfort and healing he received as the result
of his wife, Colleen, challenging him to take his hurt to Jesus. Here are links
to his, disturbing but, ultimately victorious, story. Part One Part Two.
Michael often offers political commentary and does presentations to
carry on the Reagan legacy, but his real passion is to be involved with programs
and efforts to protect and nurture children who might be vulnerable to abuse. As
such, he heads the Michael Reagan Center for
Advocacy and Research, which has, as its goal, "to effectively advocate for
public policies that benefit the safety, stability and well-being of children
and families, particularly those served by public and private child welfare
systems." His organization partners with Arrow Ministries which
actively equips local churches "to promote Christian responsibility and
commitment to strengthen family life".
Michael now travels the country giving speeches and presentations. If
he ever comes to your area I suggest you indulge yourself and your family in an
evening of inspiration. Or, better yet, schedule him for an
event.
Thank you Michael for all you are doing for America, especially our
children.
