Will has already been a guest on this blog (here is his first post), but since he is like a brother to me he has gotten the family treatment… AKA he did me a favor and I didn’t show him proper appreciation. Isn’t that how family relationships work?
Seriously though, this guy has been a big brother to me since I was about 11 years old (when I met his younger brother Byron). I say big because he was not only older than me but because he was enormous. When I first met him he not only towered over me but probably had something ridiculous like 150 lbs. on me. Will played O-line for Wabash College. He has always been a big and strong dude. So when I say he was like an older brother I say it with a vast amount of memories that involve me in pain at his hands.
I wasn’t the brightest teenager. I didn’t know how to say no. I was a typical guy who couldn’t back down from a challenge no matter how dumb it was. The dumbest challenge ever given to someone in my youth group was challenging Will to any physical competition. I think our official wrestling record is 1000 – 2, and yes I am proud of those 2 times I actually somehow beat him. I also thought it was a good idea to box Will once I was finally taller than him. I thought that my reach would help me win the day….
It didn’t.
From Left to right: Will, Pete and Byron Certain. Yes, this is how they are most of the time.
In all seriousness, though the Certain boys (pictured above) have been a huge part of my life and I couldn’t imagine not having them as part of the stories I share in this book and on this blog. So thanks Will, I appreciate your willingness to add to the dialogue. Here is a little on Will straight from the source:
My name is Will Certain and I am a co-pastor at River of Hope Fellowship in a rural setting in Northwest Missouri. I’m married to Nicole and we have two super fun daughters and are enjoying the rural life. Josiah and I grew up together in Arizona and have been close friends since I was in seventh grade.
To be clear, I was in the fifth grade. Will is two (or three? shoot I can’t remember) years older than me. That used to be a big deal growing up but now. I find solace in the fact that we have so many shared experiences to bond over.
In a profession that can feel lonely and isolated, especially since I am the outlier in regard to age, it is a comfort to have people like Will to call friend and brother. Thanks pal. Will has more of his story that he will be sharing on the blog this afternoon. Stay tuned!
Now if only he would stop hurting me…
JK…
…but seriously
Until next time…
Peace out!
#Blessed
