J.R. Briggs
Attempting to behold the miracle long enough without falling asleep
-
Archive of "Life" Category
We’re looking to expand our family again…
Many of you who know us know what a joy it has been for us to experience the miracle of
adoption. It is hard to believe that we are approaching two years of
having Carter! Carter has been an absolute joy to have in the Briggs
family. As painful as our infertility was (and, at times, still is) we
have come to call it a gift – a gift because we cannot imagine life
without Carter!
John Piper has said that adoption is "the physical gospel" – a
fleshing out of what God has done for us – picked us, orphans without
much of a future, and invited us to be a part of his family. We have
understood the gospel in deeper ways because of Carter’s adoption story.We’ve said that when Carter is around two years old we wanted to
begin the adoption process again. and now our hearts are ready to adopt again –
and Carter really wants a sibling to play with! We have made contact
with an adoption agency and are bracing ourselves to fill out the reams
and reams of required paperwork again.Adoptions can happen in various ways. The traditional adoption
process is where adoptive parents approach an adoption agency. The
agency works with many birth mothers until each birthmother chooses an
adoptive family. This process is very expensive and can take up to two
years. Another process, called an identified adoption process, was the
process of how we got Carter. It is where adoptive parents and birth
parents identify each other first and then approach the adoption agency
to take care of logistics, paperwork and legal matters. This can take
as little as a few months and is a fraction of the cost of a
traditional adoption.Many adoptions occur through the identified adoption process. In
fact, adoption agencies recommend that prospective adoptive parents
contact friends and family from around the country who might know of a
birthmother who is pregnant and is unable to parent the child, but
desires for her child to be placed in a loving family.So, this is where you come in. We could use your help in two ways:
- Keep your eyes and ears open: If you happen to know of or hear of a birthmother
(or know someone who knows a birthmother) who is looking to place their
baby in a loving home please contact us. We would love to talk with
them. We know that God can work through the vast relational networks
that we all have (he did it in Carter’s story – and we know he could do it again). - Pray for us: please keep us in your prayers as we enter into
the adoption process again in order to see the Briggs family grow in
size!
Thank you! We’re excited to see what God has in store for the Briggs family in the future!
J.R., Megan and Carter Briggs
An Open Letter to Pat Gillick, General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies
Dear Pat,
I must start out by saying congratulations on last night’s accomplishments with the Phillies reaching the World Series for the first time in 15 years. I am sure you knew that since you are the general manager, but in case you forgot or you haven’t had enough people remind you the past several years I thought I would let you know. Man, is it nuts here in Philly (but I am sure you know that since you live in the greater Philadelphia area, too).
I love baseball and its been fun following the ride of these Fightin’ Phils this year. I even went to Maui this summer, Shane Victorino’s home. (There were signs in people’s yards saying "Victorino for Councilman" – do you think there is a chance that could be his uncle or something?) Anyway, no pressure, but the city of Philadelphia totally needs this championship, seeing that the city is experiencing the longest drought of championships of any four-sport city in America. But I am sure you already knew that, too.
I’m a big fan. I’m not a long-suffering life-long, born-and-raised Phillies fan. But I am a new big fan.
I must tell you that I was in quite a predicament there for this past series. A little history: my family has been cheering for another National League team for three generations. I’ve been rooting for this team for 25 years. Growing up, we went to their spring training facilities several years while visiting my grandparents on spring break in Florida. That team was the Dodgers.But now my wife and son and I are putting down roots here in the greater Philadelphia area and planting a church in Lansdale. (By the way, I know this may be a bit forthright of me, but church planters are always looking for financial support. I know you don’t know me and I don’t think that you are a Christian, but any chance you would want to support what we’re doing? It’s a great cause, I can assure you. I can send you more information in the mail if you want. Just send me your mailing address. Thanks).
Anyway, now that we put down roots, I had officially switched my allegiance to the Phils this year. I even went out and bought a Phillies hat and a Phillies jersey (well, its not really a jersey. It’s a Thome t-shirt I bought at a thrift store this summer. At this thrift store all t-shirts are $2 every Tuesday. It’s a great deal if you ever want to join me you can find some real diamonds in the rough if you look real hard).
I am not really an Eagles fan – they are too disappointing – I hate hockey and the Sixers? Well, you know, it is the Sixers…enough said). Like I said, I’m a big Phillies fan. I’ve been following just about every box score the next morning. Since I switched my allegiance from the Dodgers to the Phillies this season I couldn’t have told you four players on the Dodgers this year. (I promise you, Pat, I am not making this up. I really am a new big fan).
But man, when the boys in blue played the Phils in this series I panicked. I called my dad and asked his advice: "Do I cheer for my past, my heritage, or do I cheer for the present – and future?" After seeking out wise counsel from him and others (mostly Phillies fans) I decided to root for the Phils. I knew I would choose this, but just wanted to make for sure for sure, ya know?)
As a pastor I pray. Now theologically I don’t really think I can say with absolute confidence that God cares if the Phillies win or lose, because there are a lot of other more important things out there. However I’d be lying if I said I didn’t pray for the Phils during a few mealtime prayers (if you don’t believe me, ask my wife and our 21 month old Carter. He ended prayer the other day saying, "Go Phils!" It was so cute…wish you could have been there to hear it or better yet, wish I had my video camera ready – then I could have sent you a copy…)
Anyway, I feel the need to apologize for some things. I’m sorry for you calling you an idiot in June when things weren’t looking so hot. I told people you had a brain the size of a pebble and I’m sorry. I didn’t really mean it. It’s just that my emotions got to me for a small period of time. And oh, everyone else was saying it on 610 WIP (especially Howard Eskin) so I felt I could say it too…but that’s no right. My bad.
I also need to apologize to Charlie Manuel for doubting his baseball knowledge. He surprised me. And I need to apologize for making fun of Pat Burrell (whom I thought you should have traded along ago). I promise not to make fun of Pat any more (well, unless his batting average dips below .200 again…) And I’m sorry for making fun of Chase Utley for the way his greases his hair and slicks it back under his batting helmet like a 1940′s move star. Do you think that looks strange or is it just me? Just wondering…
Oh, I almost forgot. On my list of "Things to Do Before I Die" I have "attend a World Series game." I registered for the World Series Ticket lottery on phillies.com to be picked to purchase tickets for Citizens Bank Park for next week’s series, but yesterday I got an email notifying me that "unfortunately you were not selected for World Series tickets. Better luck next year." That took me a few hours to get over that one… But since it said, "Better luck next year" and it came from the Phillies organization I am assuming that you will make it there again next year. Is that a fair assumption? (Did you really mean that you think the Phils will be back in the WS next year or was that just a nice polite way of letting me down gently? I know organizations are really good at spinning things so I wasn’t sure…)
Now I know you only have a few allotted tickets for friends and family for the World Series, but man, I totally want to go to one of the games. I’ll be blunt: can I have a ticket? It can be to any of the three home games, I don’t care. You take your pick. Or better yet, how about we hang out together in your box suite? I’ll make sure when the Fox cameras do close-ups of you in your box I won’t be over your shoulder waving on my cell phone talking to a friend who called me and said that he swore he saw me on TV.
Remember, I am a church planter so if you ever want to help a brother out, this would be a great time to do that. I promise I would never speak poorly of you again in public. And I have a blog that a few of my friends read. I would say nice things about you on my blog. It might help with some PR. Let me know if you’re interested. You can even give me tickets way up in the nose bleed section. You can email me or call me if you want…whatever is easier for you.
Well, I’ll wrap up this letter now. Thanks for reading. I’m excited for you and the rest of the team. Win, okay? And if not, I know you will be extremely bummed so if you need someone to talk to I’ll be here to listen if you need to get it all out.
I’ll be cheering like crazy. If they win it all, I promise I will behave. No rioting. No running onto the field. No streaking down Broad Street. Nothing I would be embarrassed to tell my grandkids one day. I’m trying to set up a good example.
Congratulations, Pat, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding Phillies tickets next week (or if you want to support our church plant).
Go Phils!
J.R. Briggs
How to talk to your doctor about God
Here’s an interesting article on CNN about faith, religion and physicians.
Adoption Day: Celebrating the Gift of Carter
Today we celebrated Carter’s Adoption Day.
It was last year on this day, September 26, 2007, that we went to the Montgomery County Courthouse, appeared before a judge and signed the legal documents to become Carter’s parents, officially and forever. We’re so grateful for the gift that God has given to us in Carter. We reflected back on God’s grace in our lives through his adoption story.In addition to his obsession with cars (and wheels and keys) Carter loves trains.
So we thought we would celebrate Adoption Day by taking him on his first train ride.
We dressed him in his conductor outfit, brought along his Thomas the Train toy and heard him say "CHOO CHOO!" dozens of times.We got off at Market Street East terminal and went to Reading Terminal Market, had a cheese steak and a soft pretzel and then rode home.
We loved the experience.
We are so grateful for God’s faithfulness and His blessings through the miracle of adoption.
Stages of the faith journey
Recently I stumbled across this fascinating chart that deals with the stages of our faith journey.
It takes a few minutes to process, but it’s well worth your time.I’m curious:
-What do you think about this chart?
-Do you agree with all of it?
-Can you identify where you are on the chart? your family members? friends?
-What are the implications of this for spiritual formation?A working vacation in Hawaii
Megan and I leave this weekend to go to Hawaii and we’re really excited.
What? you may be thinking, you’re a church planter and raising support and now you’re going to Hawaii?
Well, actually I am going to work.
I’m serious.Several months ago I was invited by a great organization called Youth With a Mission (YWAM) to come and speak for the week at their Discipleship Training School in Maui this summer. [I know, I know...I've heard all the jokes from friends already about "suffering for Jesus" so you don't need to tell me again.]
When Megan heard about the opportunity she said: "That’s great! I think you should go, but on one condition: you’re not allowed to go to Hawaii without me!" Megan’s mom is coming to PA to watch Carter for the week (the 12 hour flight over with an 18 month old would push us over the edge, for sure) and we’re using the speaking honorarium to cover Megan’s flight and in essence, get a ‘free’ working vacation. I’ll speak every day for a couple of hours on the topic of Identity in Ministry (something I am really excited to speak on) and then have the rest of the afternoon off to enjoy the island.
YWAM is an incredible organization that trains young adults to be equipped followers of Jesus in the area of missions. I have a lot of respect for the organization, their heart for the gospel, for missions and for evangelism. I’m extremely excited about the week with the students – and I am really excited to teach again – it’s been several weeks since I have taught in a formal setting. I’m also excited for the down time and to explore the island a bit.
While there is much to do here with all the things necessary to start Renew it’s tempting to feel like its a bad time to go away. However, it’s also a great time for us because we need to take it down to a lower gear for a little bit.
We invite your prayers for the students – that their lives would be impacted as followers of Jesus as they discover their identity as children of God – and your prayers for us during the week.
I’m not sure if I will get through all of them, but I’m bringing these books with me for the week:
-Letters by a Modern Mystic by Frank C. Laubach
-An Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
-The Working Poor: Invisible in America by David K. Shipler
-The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren
-The End of Nature by Bill McKibben
-The Reason for God by Tim KellerPrayers for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman
Tragic news for the Steven Curtis Chapman family.
Take a moment to pray for them in such an incredible time of grief.
Updates are available on his website.One of my favorite SCC songs growing up was "My Redeemer is Faithful and True"
I am sure these words provide new meaning and renewed promise of hope in the God of the Universe.As I look back on the road I’ve traveled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.Chorus
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.My heart rejoices when I read the promise
‘There is a place I am preparing for you.’
I know someday I’ll see my Lord face to face,
‘Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.(chorus)
And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.the birthday present of birth
"The test of all happiness is gratitude; and I felt grateful, though I hardly knew to whom. Children are grateful when Santa Claus puts in their stockings gifts of toys or sweets. Could I not be grateful to Santa Claus when he put in my stockings the gift of two miraculous legs? We thank people for birthday presents of cigars and slippers. Can I thank no one for the birthday present of birth?"
-Classic Christian author G. K. ChestertonThat’ll preach…
Check out this powerful story.
Lepers, the Gospel and Bald Heads
As many of you know, due to the generosity of many people donating towards a great cause, my friend Jerry and I had our heads shaved bald last Sunday night after resonate. The money raised goes to Joni and Friends Philadelphia Region which runs a summer camp for those with disabilities and their families so they can enjoy a week relaxing and having fun – a rare treat for families who take constant care of a disabled family member around the clock.
We happen to be in a series called Jesus: the Revolutionary where we’re getting glimpses of Jesus as we study the book of Mark. This past week we were at the end of chapter 1 where Jesus heals a leper. Leprosy (which could also have been various types of skin diseases) was not only a disfiguring of one’s skin, but also forced one to live in isolation, away from their community.
Lepers were considered the untouchables.
The outcasts of society.
Those forced to the fringes of culture.
Nobodies.In the teaching we pondered the question, Which is worse: a physical skin ailment or the relational and emotional separation from friends, family members and those in the community that you love?
We also pondered, Who are the outcasts in our society today? Who is pushed to the margins? And how do we, in the name of Jesus, help to restore those people to the community they were intended to be a part of?In Mark 1, when Jesus heals the leper he not only heals him physically, but he also restores him into the community that he was originally intended to be a part of.
After the leper is healed Jesus tells him to go to the priest and make the sacrifices Moses commanded.
What’s this all about?
Jesus is referring to Leviticus 13 and 14 where God gives specific requirements for a leper who is cured of his skin disease to be restored back to the community. God, in and around the tabernacle, cared deeply about purity. When you deal with God’s holiness you do it on His terms, not yours.
These were the requirements for those cured of their skin disease to be allowed back into the camp:
-having the priest inspect you from head to toe
-washing your clothes
-bringing two pigeons to the priest where he would kill one of the birds and sprinkle his blood seven times over a clay pot of water and then letting the other bird live.
-sacrificing a lamb with flour and oil
-and finally, shaving off all your hair.Seeing that the timing couldn’t be better, I called Jerry up in the middle of my teaching and shaved his head to illustrate what a leper would have to do in order to be reinstated into the community. Here’s a picture of me using Jerry has an object lesson during my teaching.
One person commented to me afterwards, "I’ve never seen something like this before. I didn’t know you were allowed to shave someone’s head in church!"
Neither did I…
My friend Jerry has had cerebral palsy since birth and is mobile with the help of his high-tech electric wheelchair. (You can’t see it in the picture, but his fancy chair is hiding under that sheet). Jerry was a good sport about it. But I said, "Jerry: I love you,
brother, but with your condition there is no way that I would ever
allow you to have a set of clippers in your hands and try to shave my
head. I might end up in the ER with gashes in my head looking like I
got into a Perkasie gang fight or something…"Ironically, Jerry and I talked several months ago about the disabled community. In fact, if you put everyone in the world who had a disability into one country, it would be the world’s third largest country!
Jerry shared with me how he loves Jesus’ interactions with lepers in the gospels. The way that Jesus loves those who are pushed to the fringes, he loves those nobody else will love, he touches the untouchables. Jerry mentioned that he believed that in our culture today some of the ‘untouchables’ – those pushed to the margins of society – are the disabled.
What a beautiful picture it was for me to shave Jerry’s head during the teaching as he is seen by many in our culture today as a "modern-day leper."
Isn’t that the gospel message?
We all have – not a skin disease – but a sin disease and have been separated from God’s holiness. Our priest comes to meet us outside the camp and heals us so that we can be restored to relationship with God and with others. And if we claim to be followers of Jesus we will follow his example: touching the untouchable, loving the unlovable, caring for the uncared for and reaching the unreachable with the good news of God’s desire to restore people to their original relationship with God and others.After the service we encouraged people – for those who wanted to – to stick around. I invited Cassie, the young woman who cuts my hair, to come to resonate with her boyfriend. I offered to pay her to bring her clippers and come clean up Jerry’s head (since I made such a mess of it during the teaching) and then shave mine. She was more than willing to help.
Here are a few fun shots people have sent me this week…
Before…
Cassie shaved male pattern baldness into my head. I think I looked at myself in a mirror and busted my gut…
Everyone was telling me that I looked like a mix between Ron Howard and Terry Bradshaw.
What do you think?
And the finished project.
Okay, so I look goofy. So what?
But each person who leaves a sarcastic comment attached will be fined $5 – to be paid towards Joni and Friends. You’ve been warned…A few people said I looked like John Malkovich. I don’t know…I’m not seeing it.
The best "compliment" I received from someone was, "Well, you don’t look…terrible."
Thanks. I think.Here’s a picture with Alex, a German twentysomething who is living in the US for a year and a half to learn English. I encouraged him to shave his head with me. He shook his head and in his thick German accent said, "Noh Danks…"
More pictures are being sent to me.
When the pictures of Jerry, Cassie and myself are sent to me I will post them.I have to tell you: I have been freezing cold the past week.
But hey, its for a great cause.
And my hair will grow back quickly.
I can’t complain.Thanks to all who helped.
UPDATE: Doug Burns and Lauren Paupillo took pictures of the big event. Check out Doug’s website for baptism pictures and head shaving shots.
- Keep your eyes and ears open: If you happen to know of or hear of a birthmother
Recent Comments