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By Tierce Green Bob Marlowe was in the room when I first began teaching the principles of biblical manhood in an auditorium full of men. It didn’t take me long to realize that he was already living what we were learning in the beautiful way he loved God, his family, and others. There were many times in private conversations with other men that I would use Bob as a living visual aid to encourage them in their walk with Jesus. Bob was one of the greatest influencers I’ve known, long before social media reduced the title of influencer to a brand for selling products. He modeled true greatness because his motive was never about making a name for himself. His life mission was to point people to Jesus. Bob was a friend and advisor to me, and many times, he was my cheerleader. Over the last few years, our face-to-face time together was limited to an occasional breakfast, lunch, or coffee. But in those relatively brief encounters, I left with clarity and courage to follow through with an objective because of his wisdom and prayerful advice. He was my sounding board and filter for shaping decisions that helped me fulfill the mission God has given me. I visited with Bob on his last day at Houston Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands, the day before he was transferred downtown. He had been on a roller coaster ride for more than a month, and I knew he and his family had to be physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually depleted. When I walked in the room, Bob was sitting in a chair, working on his iPad. I was amazed by his countenance and smile as he asked, “How’s your ministry going?” I was speechless. There I was, hoping to encourage him, but he naturally flipped it around and did what he always did. Bob effortlessly encouraged me! We prayed together and thanked God that the life-giving Spirit of Jesus had been so evident in and through him and his family, despite all the tests, procedures, and multiple hospital rooms. We thanked God that in the midst of so many uncertainties, God’s presence and grace were constant. Bob’s guidance and generosity to our ministry enabled me to impact thousands of men and women through the Authentic Manhood Initiative and Good Feed Media. His friendship was a great blessing that impacted me personally and professionally. His life made a big splash, and like a ripple effect, will continue to influence countless others around the world.
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