Illustration By Design

I’ve kept this under wraps for a while (for obvious reasons), but I feel it’s finally the right time to share. Over the past year, I’ve made some serious strides in my personal growth. I told y’all I was focused on becoming a better professional. Not just for myself, but for the sake of my company, our customers, and the amazing people I work with. And that was true. But it wasn’t the only reason. This is the year I also became a father. And though I can’t speak for everyone, I’ll say this: nothing prepared me for the wave that hit me when it happened. From that moment forward, everything changed. My calling became clear. I saw, without a doubt, the kind of man my wife and child needed me to be. It brought me peace. It brought me clarity. And it brought me to my knees in gratitude. I want to do everything I can to live a life that honors the Lord. To be the best man I can be, for my wife and children. This blessing forced me to rethink everything from my online presence, to how I run the Rippaverse, to how I carry myself daily. Without the Lord, a man will look at his beautiful, precious baby… and still proceed through life irresponsibly and without focus. And I’ll be honest. After experiencing this, there’s a deep frustration I now carry for men who could look into the eyes of their own child and still choose selfishness and chaos. That is cowardice. I’d be lying if I said this didn’t change me. It did. And it’s for the better. To every supporter, from all walks of life. thank you. You’ve helped me provide for this growing family. I don’t take that lightly. "Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." —Psalm 128:3-4 Also: Consider checking out the Rippaverse, please. Diapers ain’t cheap.