This book is about my father, William Jarrett Russell, who was widely known as WJ in the communities of southeastern North Carolina where he lived. In the early to mid-1900's, he rose from a textile laborer to a well-educated student of God's ministry and an effective church leader. I always admired how my father could deal with "people problems" without being insulting, abrasive, or abusive. Instead, he consulted God's teachings and relied on tried-and-true solutions. My life was profoundly guided by his example, as I hope you will see in my own story and reflections. I hope this book will entertain you, and encourage you to embrace patience, kindness, and tender mercies when facing adversity in your life. As WJ would say, "Trust God and act in the spirit of love."