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This week marks an interruption in the narrative flow I’ve been putting forth – you see, a dear friend and brother in the faith passed away, Les Woller. His having borne no insignificant influence on my life, I thought it only right and proper to take a moment to honor him and tell you a bit about this exceptional individual.
Let me start by briefly explaining my relationship with Les; you see, were I a ‘Timothy‘ (which I’m not nearly so arrogant or foolish to esteem myself as such), he’d be my Paul. I find that God is gracious to bless us with those in our lives who seem to be able to see things within us that others simply don’t ~ and for me, that was Les. Moreover, I know that I am not the only one… the man had a gift for seeing the true potential within people and it was every bit as exciting to watch, as it was to be a recipient of it.
I’ve shared previously my experience in taking my first steps into the congregation I now call my spiritual ‘home’. One of the primary requirements for membership within this congregation is active involvement in a small-group, of which we have several.
I had set about investigating which members ran groups and had selected one – who I would later realize was Les’s son-in-law’s group, but the Lord would wind up intervening. The very day I had acquired the information for meeting time and location, I was approached by two men in casual conversation… as you can guess, one of them was Les. As Les introduced himself, I heard the Holy Spirit speak, in that “all but out loud” way of His;
This is the guy…
It would be some time before I would truly understand why, but regardless of any understanding at the time (or lack thereof), I obeyed. Over the years, Les would become quite the trusted friend and confidant.
He was a brother, offering wise-council when needed, or a sympathetic ear when that was called for.
He was a teacher, asking leading questions and then allowing the recipient to reach there own conclusions. A skill I seek to emulate.
He was a prayer-warrior, often collecting from our group the day’s concerns and listing them out so that we could petition the Lord of Hosts, leaving nothing out, nor any stone un-turned.
Throughout my time with Les, I often found him to be the flint, sharpening me where I was blunted or dulled, and the steel, blunting or dulling those areas where I was too cutting or sharp. In classic form, he never did this by direct admonition, but in his subtle, leading manner. As a result, I began to change – plying the skill to hone my own ability to draw the best from those around me whenever the opportunity availed itself.
You see, that’s what Les did. He made you think, he made you learn, he made you feel valued… he made you better. If you’d like to see for yourself, you can always pick up a copy of his book; The Skill. Though written from his experience as a professional consultant, I think you’ll find that it is filled with sound, biblical principle from beginning to end.
Any regulars on this site will recall that these last few years have comprised some very difficult struggles for me personally. When I found myself embroiled in legal battles for the well-being of my children, Les stood by me; counseling, encouraging, exhorting and praying. When I stood, as a Federal Employee, against an unconstitutional mandate and the thuggish coercion which ensued, Les stood by me; counseling, encouraging, exhorting and praying.
The long and the short of it is this; I am a better man for Les having been in my life – and I know I am not alone in that sentiment.
While his presence will be greatly missed, I also know that this is not “good-bye”, but only “see you later”. I will see this brother again, on the Sea of Fire and Glass, at the return of our King – Yeshua. As if this occasion wouldn’t be cause enough for the whole universe to rejoice, we will also see our dearly departed returned to us…
I pray that I can rise to be such a man, to teach and exhort with an even hand that is not only pleasant, but effective. I pray that the Spirit will comfort his bride, his children and his grandchildren and that his legacy will continue on until the return of Messiah – soon and very soon.
Until next time,
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You