An excerpt from an email I sent out to some brothers on July 11:

Brothers,

Thank you all for continuing to stand with my family through this trial. He's good, and I feel His love through each and every one of you.

The worship service this morning was made just for me. I was deeply encouraged to be reminded again that God not only sometimes leads us into Red Sea moments, but also provides the parting of the waters so that His name would be glorified. His glory is what it's all about, and praise God that His glory always coincides with what's best for us. Our joy in Him, and our dependence on Him, glorifies Him.

When Fred said to "stand up" in the midst of your trial, to face the ocean, and to trust God to part the waters, I was reminded of Ephesians 6, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

I was also reminded of Martin Luther defending his convictions before the authorities in 1521. He said, "I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. . . . Here I stand. I can do no other."

After the message, Paul Beden and Kyle Wallace prayed for me. I was humbled to be blessed by someone (Paul) who has traveled through life with JESUS for so many more years than I have, and who has so much wisdom and compassion, having been at the Master's feet for so long. And I was humbled to be blessed by Kyle, who has walked through his own Red Sea moments in his 40+ years of life, knowing full well that our Abba parts the waters and allows us to walk on dry land. Thank you, brothers.