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Bob my brother entered into marriage with Amanda Saturday afternoon in Barberton, Ohio.

I had the privilege of serving as Best Man. I gave this toast in their honor at the Wedding Reception. I post it here as a way of celebrating this good day and for those who wanted a copy of it.

Brian's toast for bob

Good friends and family. May I have your attention. I’m Brian Russell, Bob’s older brother.

Let me begin by thanking Ray and Sue Leach for hosting such a great celebration for Bob and Amanda. I’ve just had the privilege of meeting you and your family. I am grateful that our families are now joined through the marriage of Bob and Amanda.

Bob and Amanda:

St. Paul in his letter to the Romans wrote: Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring one another (12:10)

When asked for marital advice, Mother Teresa wrote:
“I always answer: pray and forgive.”

She also offered these words:

“If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive.” And “We must make our homes centers of compassion and forgive endlessly.”

Let me add a few of my own reflections on marriage: Happy marriages begin when we marry the one whom we love, but they blossom only when we keep on loving the one whom we married. So live in the moment. When you are together, be fully present and engaged with one another. Savor each day. Serve one another.

Amanda – I really have only met you face to face a couple of times. But I am grateful for how you’ve put a smile on my brother’s face and brought joy into his life. I knew that you were the one during Bob’s visit to our home in Florida last May. Bob kept disappearing to make phone calls to some girl named Amanda. When I watched him talking to you on his cell phone , I could see it in his eyes and in the tone of voice how much he loved you.

And to Bob, my “little brother”. I love you. I am truly happy for you. I am proud of the man that you are. You are kind and selfless. I’ve admired your sense of justice and compassion. You’ve been a good brother to me and a generous friend to many as is testified by all those present tonight. Moreover, you’ve been a terrific uncle to my daughters. I am rejoicing and giving thanks that you now have a family of your own.

Bob and Amanda as you begin your new life together…
My prayer for you will be a simple one: that you will build and nurture a relationship that will grow stronger and be more abundant with each passing year. Live by faith, be known by love, and serve as voices of hope to one another and to the world.

For final words of blessing let me quote from some singer named Bob Dylan (my brother is a well known fanatical Dylan fan):
May God bless and keep you always,
May all your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others,
And let others do for you,
May you build a ladder to the stars and climb up every rung,
May your love always stay forever young. (last line changed slightly by me)

Here’s to Bob and Amanda. May this day truly mark the beginning of a joyous journey together. Cheers.

Tags: Prayer //