In a day when people have become cynical about politicians on both sides of the aisle, they often lump all of them into the same heap with career gluttons and ineffective history makers with little to no backbone. However, each office holder has a story and life outside the public eye. What incredible joy it is when the character of such a politician exceeds beyond the office they hold. Such is the case with my dear friend, Senator William Ligon, from the Georgia Senate, District 3.

Senator Ligon is a family man who loves the outdoors. His favorite setting is hunting in the mountains of Montana and taking his young boys to the fishing hole.  His sacrifice is assuming his role and position in the city of Atlanta. His beautiful wife, Kim, and their five lovely children draw attention to his success as a leader. His parents have pastored for years and they are known for the teaching of the “Blessing.”

A few years ago, hearts were opened and heads turned when Senator Ligon had his father, Pastor William, Sr., come to the Atlanta Congress and open with prayer, speaking the blessing over the law makers and officials before the session began. The Senator has grown up with hearing his father’s daily blessing over their household, stated in Numbers 6:24-26, beginning with “May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you…” It only seemed appropriate now for Senator William to have his father speak the same blessing over the House of the State.

This year my friend was the recipient of the American Conservative Union’s Defender of Liberty award, recognizing his strong support of bills based on conservative principles during the 2012 legislative session. He received a perfect score of 100 percent from an organization that rates conservative state Senators “who continue to fight for fiscal responsibility, the rights of the unborn and the Second Amendment,”  as stated by the Chairman of the American Conservative Union.

Williams’s leadership and growing success is admirable, but his leadership as a father and husband is amazing. He values family time and looks for opportunities to teach his children. William brings his children at different times to the Congress where they observe the legislators at work and frequently sit next to their dad–in perfect behavior and conduct. I cannot help but wonder what they are being groomed for in the days to come. The balance of play, work and embracing the role as a servant leader is impacting future generations with the Ligons. I love to see their family laugh and tell stories as they do life together.

The Ligons are gracious and mannerly with hearts that look for ways to serve. A few years ago our son, Connor, escorted the good Senator to Governor Perry’s private dinner given at the Crowne Plaza in Houston, Texas, after his prayer initiative called “The Response.” My husband, Tony, and I were in attendance also.  It was fun to see our son being groomed for leadership, as well, while serving as a stand-in bodyguard of the Georgian Senator.

 Thank you Senator William Ligon for your life and values, on the job and off. May your leadership and influence grow as you help lead our nation. One day I hope to be with you again at the Governor’s dinner—your own! Serve well, my McFriend.

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!