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WATER WALKERS

“For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel,” 1 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV). One of my spiritual fathers, Russell Linenkhol, has been in heaven many years but his voice is still in my head and heart. His eyes sparkled when he smiled; he had a great wit and a deep-voiced southern drawl. Russell gave me wise counsel over most of my formative years and deeply influenced me in more ways than I could elucidate in this medium. One of his most endearing attributes was something we described as “Russellisms”, which were pithy points of wisdom and insight. For instance, he described people who stepped out in faith as “Water Walkers”; the biblical story of Peter stepping out of the boat clearly referenced. I needed those enlightening and inspiring words. I still do. Lord God, thank You for placing me in places where only You can hold me up, I will follow Your voice no matter the perils. And thank You LORD for the gift of Russell. 

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