This painting of mine was altered from an iconic photograph taken by 2024 Olympic photographer Jerome Brouillett of Brazilian surfer and 3x world champion Gabriel Medina, after exiting a Tahitian 2024 Olympic wave with a 9.90 score.

His upward, pointing gesture towards heaven reminded me of the many times we’ve witnessed athletes mirroring like gestures, giving the credit and the glory of their achievements to the One who made it all possible–Jesus Christ.

Now, admittedly, I don’t know that this is the same reason for Gabriel Medina’s gesture, but I’m more than willing to bet the farm that is the case.

As long as Peter kept his eyes focused upon Jesus walking on water to him, he was able to reciprocate toward Jesus. That critical connection is mirrored in the tether line connecting Medina to his fish-shaped, water¬walking Jesus’ surfboard.

Of course the crucial connection between life everlasting in Heaven vs. Hell is accomplished only by becoming a baptism believer in Jesus Christ our Lord. It’s only through JES (in red) shed blood that we have an opportunity to accept our (US in purple for the royal priesthood) salvation.

FYI: Yeah, that surfboard (fish image) has taken on the “Water of Life”–Jesus. So, in a sense, “The Water of Life” is walking upon His creation.