The Beauty Battalion - Featuring Beauty In All Shapes & Sizes January 2018 | Page 15

“Some ask me if I hate men. I've observed my response not being what they expected. I actually think men are wonderful,” Jessica explained. “I think there are men who fight every day to live a life full of integrity and they encourage others to do so by their example. So why do I believe this? I believe this because of my father."

While Jessica doesn’t claim to have the perfect family, she does admit she has always been supported and has enjoyed trusting relationships many people have not. She praises her father for his example of how to treat others, and for the way he “speaks truth into my life.”

“I grew up with a dad who stands as one of my personal heroes. Sometimes it was in the simple things like not allowing us to watch movies or television that objectified women. He taught me that my worth will never be defined by another's opinion. He showed me what a gentleman looks like and how to treat guys with respect in return.”

”Even though he is soft spoken, his voice is loud in my mind,” she added about her dad. “His choices to protect others if needed, to love in a manner that can only be described as not of this world, and to live his life daily in a way that demonstrates to me that men are incredible.”

Jessica acknowledges there is a lot of evil in this world, but also believes there is so much good. She says she works with incredible men that do their best to make the right decision in the face of danger, and with people who live daily lives of integrity, full of character and kindness; “those who do what's honorable even though no one will ever see.”

“This is my father,” Jessica said. “This is the lens I see men through.”

“We must each believe we are the one that can make a difference. We all have different roles and that’s beautiful! Identify what your role is at this time in your life and be the change.”

15