The Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade was held January 19th, despite the rain! The two miles long parade route winded through downtown Jacksonville and past several buildings under construction, as the city prepares for the Super Bowl held here next year. The message “Father Loves You” and the web address, www.FatherLovesJacksonville.com were printed on the banner, on the signs on the truck, and on the 1,500 pieces of candy and favors that were given out that day. Bouncing balls, small Frisbees, giant yellow, smiley face beach balls, and red nerf footballs were tossed to the crowds. Almost 3,000 Father’s Love Letters were given out to the crowds lining the parade route. (Last year we gave out 1,100 FLL and ran out long before the parade ended.)
Due to the rain, many of the spectators were under overhangs instead of along the sidewalks; so it appeared that there were fewer spectators than the year before. Because there were many at a distance from us, we had to pursue them through the many puddles! The laborers made up several local churches, including one pastor and his wife and another ministry who joined us. Members of the MADDADS organization, who were in the parade somewhere behind us, also gave out Father’s Love Letters. As we got soaked from head to toe, including the FLL from time to time, we thought how this was nothing compared to the journey Jesus took in our place!
This year we ran out of candy and favors and had extra FLL. We know that if the weather had been clear and sunny, like last year, we probably would have run out of FLL again. So next year we will be prepared for that. We are learning as we go and enjoying it as well. The construction workers, the business men and women, the police who guided the parade, the government workers, the waiters and waitresses, restaurant owners, bus drivers, bands, clowns, ROTC, and all we passed by or who passed by us were very receptive to Father’s Love Letter.
At the end of the parade, we were able to give FLL to many of the entrants of the parade. In one of the military units, there was one young man, while in formation, who put his arm behind his back, so that a Father’s Love Letter could be placed in his hand! This was one of many we will never forget!! And though getting dry and warm was important at the time, the laborers are ready for the next parade! Many people from different professions were touched with the message of Father’s Love that day.