My name is Chip. And as Liz said, we are long-time friends and admirers of the entire Byrne family.
It is with immense humility that I stand up here to speak about Joel today.
The theme of this Eulogy is: “If only we could be more like Joel.”
“If only we could be more like Joel.” We have heard that, or thought that countless times over the last 10-days. Why is that?
At one level, it is pretty simple. Joel was quick with a smile, was a loyal friend, an incredible son, brother, cousin and grandson; and he was an unashamed follower of Christ as Jay, Monica and Don gave such wonderful witness to on Sunday evening. I wanted to share or re-share three stories that I think capture who Joel was, and why we all want to be more like him.
Joel is with us, and is very embarrassed right now because, with all his gifts and talents, he was about the humblest young man anyone could ever know. Bear with me, Joel.
If only we could be more like Joel.
- The first story is about hustle, grit and going all in. Joel was known as being the hardest-worker on any team he was on. He was also known as the best teammate. The story that best exemplifies Joel’s hustle and commitment to going ‘all in’ is when he broke not one, but both of his arms at the same time during a sports camp a few years ago. He then proudly sported a t-shirt that said on the front “If you only break one arm, you’re not playing hard enough;” and on the back it said “Play like a Byrne.” Classic. Joel was always all-in. If only we could be more like Joel.
- The second story is about looking out for others. While Joel possessed confidence and charisma and naturally attracted others, he was incredibly aware of those around him – whether it was getting passes to teammates, or reaching out to those that seemed like they were having a tough day. There are countless stories of Joel checking in and asking, “hey, is everything alright? Is there something I can do to help?” If only we could be more like Joel.
- Finally and most important Joel followed Christ. The pride on Joel’s face at his confirmation last spring is seared into my memory. Gosh he was so pleased. Joel was a witness to Christ with his discipleship. He would sit in the hallway or locker room before football practice quietly reading his bible. If anyone asked what he was doing he stated, simply, “reading the bible” with neither pride nor shame. This is a ninth grader at a public school reading the bible in the hallway. Unbelievable. Inspirational. If only we could be more like Joel.
In closing, I want to share a philosopher’s observation and a Bible verse that I think really captures Joel.
The French writer Voltaire said: “Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position, but certainty is an absurd one.”
This quote captures just about any circumstance in life: what school to go to, what job to choose, decisions on how to parent children, the list goes on. We think there is nothing for which we could ever be certain.
That is, until now. We in this church are certain, and anyone that knew Joel, is certain that he is in heaven with the Lord. He is hopeful that we will feel the Lord’s presence. It is now our job to live up to Joel’s standard.
What an amazing thing to say about someone.
What an absolutely amazing thing to say about a 15-year old young man!
We all can’t wait to see Joel again. His big feet and his even bigger smile. Monica, Don, Julia and Jane – what an amazing reunion that will be. That reunion is a long time away, so in the meantime let us all try to live more like Joel lived – as a disciple of Christ.
For as we read is Matthew Chapter 13, verses 16-17: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
Joel was blessed because he saw the Lord and heard the Lord. We were all blessed to know Joel and to witness Joel’s faith.
Let’s all try to be more like Joel.
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