Lessons Learned from a Life Well Lived: A Tribute to BJ

Typically, I write about lessons I am struggling to learn or things that I am being convicted by. Today, however, I would like to talk about the lessons I learned from a life that was extraordinary.

Seven years ago I received a phone call in the middle of the night from Kim Mack. This phone call was to inform me that our good friend Lauren's little brother, BJ, had passed from this life into his eternal reward. Here is an excerpt from his father's blog, "BJ spent 5 weeks on a mission trip in Peru spreading the love of Jesus. A few weeks after returning home he was diagnosed with pneumonia, which quickly turned much more serious and became the lesser concern as an infection throughout his body was discovered. After six weeks of fighting, Beej finally got to go Home to be with Jesus on September 26th, 2005. Thank you for your prayers for BJ, and please continue unifying as God's children as we have seen throughout this God-glorifying situation!!" (please read more of their story at http://prayforbj.blogspot.com)

In the months and years after his passing the family has published a book about BJ's life, purpose, ministry and death- I Would Die For You. Here is what the back cover has to say:

"When was the last time you gave your all--for God?

BJ Higgins loved God with everything he had and worked passionately to bring God's love to the whole world. He believed in using the opportunities God gave him and boldly shared the gospel wherever he went. BJ's life on earth ended after a six-week battle with an infection contracted on the mission field.

He was just fifteen years old.

I Would Die for You tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary young man. BJ's journals and blogs, along with testimony from family and friends, reveal a young man whose short life left an impression on many--including Bart Millard, lead singer of Mercy Me, who wrote and recorded a song to honor him.

BJ put the cause of Christ above his own personal comfort. This powerful true story will amaze, inspire, and challenge you to live every day making a difference for God.


"How could someone who lived only a few years leave such an indelible heartprint on the world? This story is not for the faint of heart. Not only does it tell of an amazing young man but of the amazing God he served. Every parent and every student should read this book. When you do, you'll agree: BJ Higgins is this generation's Jim Elliot."--Dr. Walker Moore, president and founder, Awe Star Ministries; author, Rite of Passage Parenting and Rite of Passage Parenting Workbook

"There is a possibility that this life isn't going to just be a bed of roses from here on out. Are we willing to make a sacrifice for the kingdom? Because that's what BJ did. I may die of old age in my sleep and [my life would] not have as much meaning as BJ's life did. I Would Die for You is a challenge, a battle cry for all the body."--Bart Millard, lead singer, MercyMe"

MercyMe wrote a song based on BJ's life and ministry. This video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRNANk5rI2g shows pictures of BJ on the mission field with the MercyMe song in the background.

As I think about BJ's life, the strength of his resolve, the fortitude of his family, I am stunned by God's grace. BJ proved that you are never too young to have a voice, an impact, a story. Thank you Higgins family for sharing your son with the world.