6 Steps to Achieving the American Dream: Senator Tim Scott’s Message

Senator Tim Scott is not an ordinary man. His life has been extraordinary in many ways. He’s not extraordinary because of his skin color or because he is a United States Senator or because he has achieved financial success. He is extraordinary because he embodies the American Dream.

Only in the United States of America could his story have come true. Senator Scott does not dwell on the hardship of his upbringing: An African American boy growing up in a single mom home with strained finances. What comes across in Scott’s book, America, A Redemption Story, is that the American Dream is achievable for anyone willing to dream it.

The American Dream is Alive

According to Scott, you can grow up in challenging circumstances in this country and still achieve the American Dream.

“Here is what the American Dream Means to me Every single one of us is looking up to have a better life. Whether you are a Wall Street trader or living in public housing, you can undoubtedly envision a brighter future for yourself. The American dream is not fair, in the simplistic playground sense of the word, and it is not a guarantee of success. Even if you do everything right, you may not achieve your dream. But that doesn’t change the fact that opportunities to improve your life exist. The opportunities for a better life are real. The American dream is alive and vibrant wherever an individual has real choices available to take a step in the right direction. And toward a brighter future.”

He continues, “The American dream is never realized overnight. It’s not an event but a way of life. It is hard-fought on every front, moment by moment, day by day, year by year.”

Race and the American Dream

According to Senator Tim Scott, racism is part of our American past, but not our future. In his book, Senator Scott discusses the Emmanuel 9 shooting in personal, relatable terms. He knew that church and was friends with some who died. As he was about to address the US Senate, he spoke with the son of a man who died. The Senator asked, “What do you want me to share with them.” The man answered:

            “Romans 8:28 – ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’”

It was the forgiveness the families offered in that moment that showed the face of Christ – one by one they offered grace to the boy who killed their family members. It was how the Charleston community came together that demonstrated how far we have come as a nation. There were no riots or violence, but love and earnest conversations about race in America.

Senator Scott recounts that he has been pulled over more than 20 times driving. He has been stopped by capital police for no reason. He harbors no discontent for these things, but he does want people to know it’s humiliating. Ultimately, Senator Scott brings the discussion back to “hope and redemption.”

He has more opportunities than his mother – in fact limitless opportunities. His mother had more opportunities than his grandfather. And his grandfather had more opportunities available to him than many black Americans before him. The progress of our nation, and the willingness to continue to be better, is the story of America.

How Senator Tim Scott Achieves the American Dream

1) His Faith in God and Biblical Truth

Senator Scott’s faith in God is the beginning and the end of all that he is. He is a true believer. He reads his Bible, prays, and is thankful for God’s redeeming grace.

2) Senator Scott Sees the Best in People

Each of us is the sum of more than our failures, according to Senator Scott. America is also the sum of more than our failures. We’ve all sinned and so has America. Those mistakes don’t define us. Our willingness to persevere and try to be better – that’s our story.

3) He is a Hard Worker

It is impossible to achieve the level of success Senator Scott enjoys without working hard day in and day out. It is evident from his childhood, he is a worker and continues to pour his entire life into helping our nation thrive.

4) “ I am who I am because of the men and women who have poured into me when they didn’t have to.”

This realization is a call to action for Senator Scott, and each of us. Because he appreciates the work of many people in his life, he firmly believes he should help others. The Senator wants to be a magic maker for people and encourages us to be magic makers for others. As he reminds his readers, you can’t take success with you or money with you when you die.

5) Relationships with family and friends are the most important part of life

Politics should not define us and should not get in the way of our relationships. On countless occasions throughout his book, Senator Scott makes clear his relationships with men and women are much greater than political differences.

One noteworthy story is when he took his grandfather to vote for President Obama. Even though Senator Scott voted differently, he was happier to spend those moments with his grandfather than anything. In the book, the story he tells is also a way of showing how far we have come as a nation regarding race – his grandfather was not able to vote in some elections and then by the end of his life he was voting for a black man for president.

6) His measuring stick for success is helping people

Senator Scott does not measure success by money, power, or fame. His measurement is how many people he has helped. One of his mentors, John Moniz, would often say his goal is improving the lives of 1 million people. John’s life ended too soon, but considering the man poured into a young Tim Scott, it’s easy to see he in fact helped more than a million people by encouraging a man who has the ability to inspire countless people. At a young age, Tim Scott set out to help 1 billion people, which he recognizes as both arbitrary and insane. I would submit that if elected President of the United States, he’ll meet his goal and then some.

What stands out most about Senator Scott in person and throughout the pages of his most recent book is his likeability and kindness. Because of these things, he is able to be honest. He communicates truth from a posture of love. The truth, according to Senator Scott, is therefore, impossible to ignore.

You can purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/477bB7l

Be sure to check out our YouTube review for more on Senator Tim Scott and others. You can also read our review of Ron DeSantis’ book and Vivek Ramaswamy.