These are the words my friend Travis wrote and had me read at the funeral for my hatred of my brother.  Incredible words written by an incredible friend.

April 2nd of 2010. Good Friday.

A eulogy is defined as a laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.

Nobody knows the exact date when Boy Hatred was conceived or brought into this earth.  We can all speculate that it had something to do with a snake, 2 humans, and a piece of succulent fruit; which then he passed on to the next generation in the form of jealousy and murder.  But from the very beginning, Boy Hatred was among us.  He lived around us, in us, and through us.  There were times in our lives when we weren’t expecting him and he snuck up on us.  There have been times when the Boy had become a Man however, and ruined marriages, abused children, corrupted politicians, started bloody wars, created injustice for others based upon differences, and has killed for fun.  Boy Hatred was more dangerous than any nuclear weapon or brain washing chancellor.  I feared the Boy for he could be seen and unseen.  He came and went as he pleased.  He was very loud but more often, he was very quiet.  Boy Hatred seemed to be all consuming at times when you didn’t want him around.  And, he was that friend that you loved to hate, yet hated to love.  He, however, was no more of a friend than is a hungry lion to a juicy steak.

Nonetheless, we are gathered here tonight to lay to rest Boy Hatred in the life of Neil, and our lives as we stand with you.

Because……

Hate steals, Love gives. Hate demanded, Love asks.  Hate destroyed, Love rebuilds.  Hate lied, deceived and killed, whereas Love is honest, straight forward and breathes life.

Knowing you Neil for the last 12 or so years has been one hell of a ride.  There have been many ups and downs, and in-betweens, yet one thing remains-YOUR LOVE INCREDIBLY OUTWEIGHS YOUR HATE. I am so proud to stand with you tonight in the stance against evil, and the uplifting of the risen Christ in our lives.

We stand here to proclaim:

Love and Life.

Victory and Joy.

Steps forward-

and a burial of the past.

I proclaim the goodness of Jesus Christ, and the power given to us through his defeat of hatred on this symbolic night 2010 years ago.

We lay to rest through a burial by fire Boy and Man Hatred from this point forward.

Thank you Travis. I love you and Love wins!!!