JeffThigpen.com

That’s not something a buyer would typically find in a Christian bookstore. Not unless it’s one of the more than 100 Lifeway Christian Bookstores across the United States, including about six in metro Atlanta.

Gospel Today, the Fayetteville-published magazine, was pulled off the racks by the bookstores’ owner, the Southern Baptist Convention. The problem? The five smiling women on the cover are women of the cloth — church pastors.  More here.

I’m only upset that the cover didn’t have Rev’s. Julie Peeples; Alma Purvis; Lucretia Middleton; Virginia Herring; Cindy Higgins; etc.    Some of Greensboro’s finest women of the cloth!

Jim Roach passed away yesterday.   He was a good friend and only 50 years old.  He put up a resilient fight over the past year and he’ll be missed by many in the Greensboro community.

I first met Jim during in 1995 when we were a part of the Business Pulpit Forum Work Group that met over the course of two years regarding the KMart Boycott in Greensboro.  I immediately liked Jim and his personal disposition was appealing. He was young, calm, deliberative, witty, and insightful.  He carried the respect of many local business leaders and he truly sought “reconciliation” between all the parties involved in that effort.  Jim was a great guy to be around, a good listener, and genuinely cared about his family and community.

 Over the years, Jim became a friend and I enjoyed our conversations.   Jim was inspiring to me and I really appreciated him.   While his father was a former Mayor, Jim was low key, never seeking attention for himself, but not afraid to become involved in things that mattered. 

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Ben, his wife, and his children. 

There are over 150 homeless teenagers in the Greensboro area according to reports I’ve received over the past few weeks.  Here’s an N&R article from May.

Joseph’s House  is partnering with 40 area churches to provide support services and shelter for them.

Please join the Inaugural Joseph’s House Golf Tourney to benefit Joseph’s House on October 10, 2008.

Greensboro’s own Joey Cheek is not going to Beijing China.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Cheek said. “I figured once they gave me a visa, I wouldn’t imagine they wouldn’t allow me to come in later. That was a big shock. I wasn’t expecting to get a call the evening before I was leaving for Beijing.” Most likely, Joey’s advocacy of addressing genocide in Darfur led to their decision although the Chinese government did not give a specific reason.

That’s ok, Joey, we’re down with you.   You have open invitation to watch the games at the Thigpen household and Darfur press conferences are cool too.

Cheek’s interview with The Guardian.

What fond memories from 2000!  I learned lots in jail….. from the 400 lb. man “accused” of selling drugs and attempted murder;  through mastering the art of robbing banks with BB guns; and gaining tips on how shower equipment can fit into socks and deliver effective blows to my enemies.   Grew out the goat-tee for the “DWI Failure to Appear” cover.  I truly miss the white slippers BUT I’ll will never do that again!  All and all, good times!

Well, I’m going back to jail…. to raise money for MDA(Muscular Dystrophy) on August 27th and September 24th.   On Wednesday, August 27th, I’ll be over at the Kernersville Fire Rescue Headquarters at 12:00 noon.  On Wednesday September 24th, I’ll be at the Greensboro Convention Center at 9 am.

Guilford County Sheriff Barnes has also issued a warrant for my arrest through the March of Dimes Court Judge to help research and advocacy aimed at preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

I had the a really meaningful visit with Pat Gates a few days ago.  I met Pat shortly after her son Stephen was killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2003.   Stephen was UNC alumnus and a Tar Heel Sports Network reporter and the family lives in Greensboro.  “Stephen’s law” was created as a result of his death which requires passengers of a vehicle involved in an accident to remain at the scene until police can complete their investigation.  Pat and husband George, fought to get the law passed and it was applied on the first day.    As a result of the Gates’ determination, there will be accountibility and justice in those kinds of situations where there was once none.

Pat is such a wonderful lady and a great mom.   I was  pleased to hear from her and repect her a greal deal.   Her daughter is doing very well and will be attending law school in the Fall!  

I’m not surprised……

Saw my good friend Buck Cochran this morning.  Buck is executive director of Peacehaven Farm- a community for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.  Buck had long had an interest in people with disabilities and in the ministry of L’Arche communities.  L’Arche is a well-known community founded by Jean Vanier.  Later,  Henri Nouwen (Life of the Beloved; In the Name of Jesus; The Wounded Healer) joined when he left Harvard Divinity School.

I was talking to a friend when Buck stopped by.   The friend asked, “So, is this a rehabilitative model?”  I blurted out attempting to be the star pupil, “No, its the ‘do you love me’ model!  Buck smiled and said, “Exactly!”.   We got a good laugh out of it.   “Do you love me?” was a phrase from Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus.  

Peacehaven Farm is inspired by the family members of the farm’s leaders: Tim and Susan Elliott, and Buck Cochran. All are parents of children with special needs. They have experienced the joys, the heartaches, the quest to “fix”, and the awe and wonderment of having someone they love with intellectual disabilities become all they were meant to be.

 The farm is locted in Whitsett, NC and I look forward to visiting with Elle and Aiden.  Who knows, maybe I’ll get to drive the tractor!