My Elder Brother Leo
If you've never met my older brother Leo, first and foremost, you're missing out on a lot. At first sight, most people can identify we're related. We look a good amount alike, and the second you hear him talk (and especially sing) you wonder if I somehow stole his voice. I did. I share many things with my older brother, including many of the same mannerisms. This includes vocabulary including the word "brilliant." Yes, you have Leo to thank for the name of this blog.
But, my appreciation for my brother goes way beyond all of that... He is one of the most powerful examples that God has set before me in my life. In many ways, I want to be like Leo. There are certainly areas where I don't but his passion for God is so incredibly inspiring to me. This wasn't always true, at least not to the extent that it is now. Leo always had that fiery passion in him, but along with it came a lot of other emotional turmoil and conflicting agendas in his life. But... That was the Leo of the past, the brother that I grew up with. He beat me up when I was younger THAT most be known, but also treated me with love and care, and included me when I was younger in ways that I've just now begun to appreciate.
The Leo that I know today, the brother that I love even more deeply than his younger version, is one that is shaped by his passion for God. Where he once sought God with passion, he now seeks him with wisdom and passion. There are few people in this world that I care more about than my brother. He is very near and dear to my heart. I've had the pleasure of watching him mature, especially in the years leading to his marriage, and the years since then. He is not the same Leo that I knew as a child. He is a better one; more sanctified and more dedicated to living for his savior. When Leo encourages me, the world is a brighter place, filled with opportunity, and the grace that God has given me becomes infinitely more clear.
I'm tearing up writing this. I'm a sucker for emotion, but only when I really care about something. I have so much to be grateful for in my life, and one of those things is my brother Leo. If you have a chance to meet Leo, don't waste that opportunity, he is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and I look forward to a life spent along side him.
Dear Leo,
I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you on your birthday, but I hope this makes up for it. The first thing I want to say is I love you bro. Thank you for being an inspiration to me, both as a child and now as a teenager. You inspire me to live for God. Thank you for all the ways you built our brotherhood and friendship when I was just a kid. There's so much I owe to you. You often point at me and say, "That's my brother. He's like Leo 2.0" and if that's true, it's only because of 1. The grace of God and 2. Your diligence to pursue friendship in our lives. To echo your words brother, there is so much that is commendable in your life. I cannot encompass all of it. So, I'm left with a vague thank you and I'll let you fill in the rest of the blanks.
I love you dearly brother.
Thank you,
Stevie Patric Parris