This is the poster that Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana created and named their annual mission fund after.
This is the day we will always remember. The day BJ went home to be with the Lord. It's been 6 years.
It was also the day he was due to be born, but he would come 5 days late.
It is also within a day of the anniversary of Deanna and my first date.
There is no way we could have anticipated how the Lord would use his laid down life. We are blessed and overwhelmed at how many the Lord has ministered to through his surrender.
We have been privileged to share his testimony, our journey, from coast to coast in the US, and in other countries, abroad. We have seen his writings impact people of many nations. We have been blessed to hear the testimonies of many around the world whose lives were changed by learning about his.
The Lord uses those who are fully surrendered to inspire those who wish to be. Their lives help serve as a sort of compass of how to make decisions and live.
We miss him desperately. We celebrate his life, daily.
To many, its just another day.
For us, this is the day our joy mixes with the pain of searing loss.
Some have moved on and forgotten. Some still remember...fewer each year. It's normal I suppose.
We are thankful for each new opportunity to remember him.
He was not perfect.
He was surrendered.
One day, we will join him. I look forward to that day.
For now, we'll eat ribs in his honor... they were his favorite.
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, for all that is within me cries out to Him.
dad
15 Comments:
I can't begin to imagine how hard today must be for you and your family, especially now that I have children of my own. Please know that we love you all and that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Pierson
It's not "just another day" to me. I've been thinking of you all weekend (all month) and lifting you up before Him.
His faithfulness to His Savior has allowed his legacy to enlarge as time has passed. I'm thankful for the blessings God has brought you in these six years, but I know each one comes with the ache of not being able to share it with your precious son.
I love you. I'm lifting you up. And I'm thankful He can--and will--comfort you in ways none of us can.
Thanks for sharing your story. And thank you for being my friends.
with tender love
and prayers in pink
always!
The folks at Northside are thinking of you and praying for you this week. I think I cried as much when BJ passed as I did when I lost my own mother, but God has used him to inspire so many. Someday your sorrow will turn to joy. In the meantime, I pray the Lord wraps his arms around you and comforts your family. Praise the Lord!
I agree with Marti, its not just another day. I too have had all of you on my mind all week--thinking about today. I will never forget the days Ray and I were privileged to spend time at the hospital with you. Also for all of our family to be able to be there for the celebration of BJ's life and home going We pray today will be a blessed day of remembering for you. We love you so much.
Aunt Maralyn.
The Lehew family lifted you guys up in prayer this morning! Your family is an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness through mountains and valleys! Praying for you today!
Mike, Sarah, Hannah, Noah, Grace, Elijah and Judah
Remembering, crying and wishing that we were celebrating with him at HOME.That will truly be a time of celebration.
Hey Dad,
If it wasn't for BJ's surrender, I would have never heard about Awe Star. I can't even imagine how life would be different. So even though I never got the honor of meeting him...I have not forgotten his sacrifice. Which to BJ, it probably wasn't a sacrifice at all...he was just doing what Jesus called him to do, and he walked in obedience to Him.
I love you so much. And you better believe I'm lifting you, Deanna, Whit, and Lauren up to our sweet King today and always.
Joyfully Jesus',
Miranda
Your family is often in my thoughts but today more so than others. I remember BJ's story any time that my own faith is shaken. It is, as he was, inspiring in so many ways, and I am so thankful to have known him.
Sarah Barnes
I can't even begin to wrap my head around what you must be feeling today. Know that today is not just another day to me, either. Just thinking back to that day...I can't help but cry.I will never forget B.J. Praying for you,
Chana (Hunter) Goodin
Been thinking of you all, and praying during the day today. What an extra-ordinary day of homecoming, suffering, relief from suffering, and a "new norm" for us all, but especially for the Higgins family. May God continue to use you in the large wake of tragedy that has been such an inspiration to so many.
Dan
Brent,
My daughter was in the auditorium at HBU in Houston on your recent visit, and was quite moved. She bought the book for me (her dad), and she'll read it when I'm done (just a few pages to go).
Being a dad myself (2 daughters), I can at least imagine the bitter/sweetness of his absence (knowing he's with Christ), but I promise that I feel it for you now, through your family's & BJ's testimony in the book I'm now reading. BJ's life makes my own efforts in witnessing seem so paltry in contrast, but at the same time inspiring, edifying, and stirs me to step my own one-person ministry.
Unlike yourself, my walk with Christ didn't begin until recently; I was 43 when God upended my heart & captured my mind (46 now)...meaning my wife & kids (18 & 11 now) didn't exactly have a godly husband & dad for most of their precious young lives to guide/lead as I should have been doing (I was blind as blind could be). But better late than never.
I'm personally grateful for the Higgins testimony, as God continues to use BJ's powerful witness even to this day and beyond.
I love you guys in Christ,
Albert Braddick - Houston, TX
a.braddick@yahoo.com
Albert, your testimony is dynamic and moving! I praise God for you and your obedience to Him! You will touch many lives with your changed heart! Praise God!!!
I miss Beej and you all so much. On the 26th I arrived in a village in Southern India where I spent three days with 6 others (7 total) and the Spirit of Jesus infiltrated the entire village. Sick were healed, lepers were cleansed, demons were cast out, babies were born, darkness turned to light, Jesus was worshiped, love was prevalent, and all that was left to say was, "Hallelujah." I thought of BJ the whole time. I praise God. I just praise God. And it's not fair that your family hurts so much more than I do as a result of Bj's abrupt departure from earth, but I have learned from these people not to fear pain. It is a gift with which we can know Him. And knowing Him is eternal life.
So much love.
Please pray for India!
Your family is still in the thoughts and prayers of many, including mine. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you and always comfort you.
Love,
Sylvia Manner
Hi, it's been about 6 years since I've been on this blog when I stumbled upon it and was praying for you and your family. It's good to see the impact you and you family are making. You are in my thoughts and prayers. From one stranger to another. NYC
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