Team Burris
All of our lives have a purpose. We hope you are inspired by our story.
*November 3rd, 2022 we learned that Jenise was diagnosed with breast cancer. These updates will include Jenise’s #HealingJourney.
Merry Christmas
December 22, 2023
The year of 2023, was an adventure for our family. ONE YEAR AGO this week, Jenise started a brutal chemotherapy regiment. Our Christmas last year was full of sadness and our energy was low, but is was during this time that our hearts were experiencing something so new and so fresh…
HOPE.
Through God’s presence, comfort and the love and care expressed generously through friends, family and beyond, God gave HOPE to our family and those who have journeyed with us.
We needed HOPE and God gave us HOPE
One Day At A Time
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matt 6:34 msg)
Reminding others where true value comes from…
December 22, 2023
During the NBA Season I have the privilege of going to the Miami Heat home games to lead and provide chapel for the players of both teams. At the same time Jenise spends her time with the Dancers. The times in the locker room and chapel are very special. We also get to share life and spiritual truths with many event workers in the arena.
Another opportunity I recently had was to watch a Heat Game and connect more deeply with Chris and CJ (pictured above), who is a professional Jai Alai player in Miami as well an real estate broker. For a few years now, Chris and I have been able to meet together over meals and smoothies to talk about our faith, marriage, parenting, work, and how to live out what we really hope and believe. Chris is an incredible person who is leading, who’s growing, and is having an impact in the community.
That night I shared with Chris what I shared in chapel :
“Trying to prove ourselves valuable to a world incapable of assigning real value is an exercise in futility. (The Chosen: Day 10 Bk 3)
“How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek glory that comes from the only God? - John 5:44
Please keep praying for the NBA players, coaches, trainers etc and the Chris’s of the world. That they may grow in their love for God and others and that their influence points people to the one who gives us all purpose and value.
Everything we do is for God’s glory.
AMDG
Team Burris Fall Update
Monday October 9th, 2023
Many of you have heard me call Jenise the “Black Queen”. There are so many reasons that the name fits who she is, and over the last 11 months, I have witnessed some of the most incredible moments in our 18 years (coming Oct. 28th) of marriage. Jenise has fought hard for 11 months. I can’t imagine…
On August 28th, we went to our last treatment appointment, doctors, nurses, friends gathered around the bell, we face-timed our kids…and yep… she did it… God did it! And all of us, her amazing support team prayerfully walked through it with her, every step!
Jenise is doing really well and is easing back into normal rhythms of life. She’s resting and reflecting on all she’s been through. She’s getting stronger and has an incredible heart and perspective. She’s an example of being courageously faithful during a personal difficult challenge.
TeamBurris can’t express enough how much we are thankful for the prayers, support before, during and even now. If you did anything to love us during this time, thank you, you were Gods Grace to us.
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Phase 2 of the #healingjourney
April 20th
Jenise had an incredible response to Chemo. Thanks so much for your prayers. While her body underwent lots of changes, and suffered tremendously for 16 weeks, there is little to no cancer remaining in the impacted area. Praise God for his grace healing power and a good medical team.
The next step is surgery. Monday April 24th is the start of the next phase. It’s a big surgery, so thanks for your prayers and support moving forward. We know the first 5-7 weeks will be different. But we have hope that this too will tell of God’s faithfulness to our family and others.
Please feel free to reach out. We will have a meal train working, but don’t feel limited to that. We will be pushing toward the end of the school year so keep Zoe and Eli in your prayers.
We will be taking it one day at time. Trusting in the one who is our everything.
We are grateful for those who have been able to partner with us financially to help us with all the expenses surrounding this process.
We are also very grateful for those who continue to partner with us and our ministry. Stay tune for more updates that will highlight our ministry efforts that are ongoing during this season of our life.
One Day at a Time, For His Glory!
The Burris’s Visited Miami
It was fun to have mom and dad be with us.
Water Break
We cant stress how important this season has re-surfaced our need to pay attention to the things that really matter in life. As we had to slow down, our time with people and relationships have gone deeper. It also has allowed us to enjoy the things around us. God has given us so much that tend to not embrace. Never forget, “People need People and We need God”.
God thank you for helping us to pay attention to the things that really matter. Help us to help those in need and to enjoy the moments we call life to the full.
April 20th 7pm
Join Run51 and FCA tonight at a special event with Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson.
For His Glory Concert
March 31st
So when Jenise learned that she was going to have 16weeks of chemo treatment, she asked for one thing. At the end she wanted to celebrate with our close friends Run51. She wanted to have a concert to point people to God who is faithful and who will ultimately help her in the journey.
So below you will see a few pictures from the concert! It was amazing to share our our life with the supportive Miami community. Run51 has been a big part of our global reach for 10 years. Music has been a vital part of our impact around the world. It’s been a vital part of our relationship with God. It’s one way we worship God and give him our life through all circumstances.
To listen to the music that was played at the concert click below to listen to the Spotify playlist
Run51 featuring Eli
Eli joined Run51 on stage at the “For His Glory” concert. He sang the song that he sang a few hours after learning his mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was a highlight and surprise of the night.
Chemo is over… The #healingjourney continues
March 24th
After a very hard 16 weeks of chemo, Jenise finally finished the chemo treatment. Ringing the bell was a very special and emotional moment for the whole family. What an incredible journey to go through. We are not done yet, Jenise has some more challenges ahead but each step we take with faith, God’s help and the support of friends and family.
Day #95 HealingJourney
March 17th, 2023
Jenise has 1 week left! One week from today she will complete her final chemotherapy session. It’s been a very long 16 weeks and she has fought courageously with faith and emotional and mental grit.
On Monday 3.20, we will go in for a routine follow up appointment to prepare for next Friday. We are praying and trusting God that things go smooth and that we continue to see the progress we’ve all be praying and believing God for. April will include lots of rest, re-evlulations of the current status of the cancer and how the chemo impacted it, test, and appointments to discuss next steps.
We anticipate the what God will reveal in the coming days and weeks.
Visit with the Petty’s
God’s way of doing things go so far beyond what we could come up with. Sean and Elle were guest at our March 1st party. We met Sean and Elle when they were in school. Their family played a significant role in helping us get our home, I (JB) officiated their wedding, they have continued to be active in ministry by leading and mentoring college athletes, and the athletes they have mentored are now sharing their faith and leading others. God takes our smallest efforts and multiplies them into something so much greater “for his glory”.
A night of music and celebration.
March 17th, 2023
You are invited to join us Friday March 31st, at 7:00pm for a great night of music and celebration. The featured music guest will be Run51, (a multi-genre band JB has lead and played drums with for several years) who is known for their fresh and inspiring energy.
Over the last 16 weeks of Jenise’s healing journey, she listened to music that helped comfort her, remind her of whats true and that brought peace. We will be singing some of these songs live.
You can RSVP below.
Wow, What A Party!!!
March 17th, 2023
March 1st, was an incredible night. The party far exceeded our imagination. Around 200 people came out to show their support and the group included people we have known between 2005-present, people from the Belen and Ransom Community, people who have been part of ministry like coaches and their families, former athletes and current athletes as well as donors from various parts of the South Florida community.
Thanks to everyone who came, who donated financially and who care for TeamBurris. We are forever grateful
Food, Drinks, Music and More…
March 1, 2023
We are having a party tonight! Celebrating how God uses all of us to meet each others needs!
Thank you Sharps and the Miami Community for loving us deeply caring for us beyond what we could imagine during a very challenging time for Jenise and our family!
Breast Cancer is only something happening to Jenise, but God is doing something much much greater in all of us!
Day 64 #HealingJourney
Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
We can’t believe it’s been 3 months! WOW! So much has happened. Somedays it feels like life is going so slow. Other times it feels like the days are flying by. Regardless, the process continues. Yesterday we had a chance to enjoy the weather and momma Mary’s last day with us. We loved having Mary with us for the journey.
Jenise is doing well, considering all that has happened to her. Her mind is strong, she has a great spirit and she’s fighting courageously, infact I think her impact on our family and on others around her is growing. It’s amazing to see how she continues to trust God. She has encouraged people during this time. She has given people hope, she is a walking example of embodying God’s wisdom and strength while suffering a health condition.
Even in her moments of weakness, the hope and light of who she believes in shines even brighter. Thank you God for answering our prayers and keeping Jenise strong through this battle with cancer. Remind us to keep our eyes and desires on you. The one who truly heals, the one who truly satisfies.
Valentines day is usually highlighted for the wrong reasons emphasizing the most shallow perspective of love our culture celebrates.
We are reminded this year of Saint Valentine, who loved by caring for others deeply, sharing with those in need sacrificially, and being committed to honoring others.
Jenise thanks for showing us what real love should look like and allowing us the opportunity to practice real love by being part of your #healingjourney.
One day at a time.
Ways to Pray:
-Pray for Jenise to have the desire to drink more water
-Pray for Jenise to rest well. Her current treatment makes her really tired and sleepy more than she is used to.
-Pray for her team of doctors to be the best versions of themselves and aware of Jenise and her needs. The longer we are in the process we dont want to become turn key. Each part matters.
-Pray for Jenise’s healing.
-Pray for Mary’s safe return home.
-Pray for our kids to flourish socially, spiritually, in school and activities. That they would feel God’s grace and help as well as the supportive community around us
-Pray for those supporting in all the various ways. The meals, rides, financial support, and all the other creative ideas, that God would bless for peoples generosity, efforts and energy.
Day 46 #HealingJourney
Thursday, January 26th, 2023
We are back at it today. Follow up appointment #4 with Chemo session #4 tomorrow. Jenise feels great, our home is full of hope and joy but it’s like bracing for a storm as we head into the weekend. No one likes when the Black Queen
Wanted to share that your prayers are appreciated and are felt as this process has been hard, but we know that we have escaped and been protected from so much.
Specific prayer request:
-This weekend, that she would rest well, recover faster than normal, that her tongue would hurt less and not swell up so she can get enough of the proper nutrition.
-While God is choosing to use this process to be part of our journey, pray few to non side effects, more good days than bad, protection from sickness, and protection emotionally. For her to have endurance.
Having Joy Is Contagious
Our visit today was a reminder that everywhere you go, no matter what, you can leave have an impact. It still seems like a weird dream to walk around in Miami Cancer Institute because Jenise needs to be there. In our minds it’s the last place that we would pick to be.
There are many things that have happened in our lives, (just ask and we will share) that God have been challenging and have brought pain and hurt, but guess what? God has uses the circumstances of life to shape us. So while we can’t explain “why cancer”, we can understand that the opportunities in front of us are here to enjoy, embrace, and experience God’s love and purpose.
Today we entered MCI with hope and expectation of a good day. We have alot to be thankful for so we smile, treat people with kindness, and take an interest in their life beyond what we see. Olga (pictured above) gave the same energy back and it was like an explosion of joy in the hallways today.
Make the most of your days and moments. You never know when and how you help others experience the love, hope and presence of God.
Day 40 #HealingJourney
Friday, January 20th, 2023
Hope you had an opportunity to reflect a little on Martin Luther King Day!!! He lived a life and shared truth that are still impacting the world today.
*We now have a partner page. Please visit the Partner With TeamBurris page. We will continue to provide ideas and ways to best help us during this time. Thanks for every gift, gesture, call, thought and prayer. It’s carrying us through.
The days following the 3rd treatment were tough. Maybe the worst post treatment days yet. Whew… so glad they are over. Today, Praise God she feels better. Prayer 🙏🏾 works.
-Zoe is back from her amazing trip. She is a pro level camper now. 6 days canoes loaded with supplies for 5 days, no tents with other freshmen. She craved Dominos pizza when she came back. (hahahaha) Grateful for her health, safety, experience, and return.
- We have Jenise’s mom joining us in person this week. She made it in from Houston. This will be a special time, hard to put words to. Trusting God for him to do amazing things during Mary’s visit.
-Eli won his first baseball game at Belen. He played well and contributed some key plays as a pitcher and hitter to get the 1 point win. More games to come for the Principal’s Honor Roll student-athlete.
Holidays are over. School is back in session. Kids are active in sports and activities. The grind of life is staring us in the face except this time, Jenise is in a secondary battle, on a detour. Your prayers are appreciated.
A Prayer from our quiet time:
From John Henry Newman (1801 - 1890)
My dear Lord, though I am so very weak that I have not strength to ask you for suffering as a gift, at least I will beg from you grace to meet suffering well when you in your love and wisdom bring it on me. Let me bear pain, reproach, disappointment, slander, anxiety, suspense, as you want me to, O my Jesus, and as you by your own suffering have taught me, when it comes.
Amen.
Day 32 #HealingJourney
Thursday January 12th, 2023
It’s Game Day! Jenise woke up today with a great mindset. The house was rocking with music, she made breakfast for her kids, she was smiling, and the best part was she put on her boots from Texas! (She’s a Texas Girl).
This is session number 3. It’s an uphill battle but we are doinng our best to embrace the challenges of the journey. Thankful today for our close friend Priscilla who will be joining Jenise today for her treatment.
In the meantime keep the kids lifted up. Zoe has been out camping since Tuesday. And Eli has his first baseball game on his new school team tomorrow.
We will keep going, one day at a time.
We Are Not Alone, Your Help Shows God’s Love and Care
After the initial news that knocked us off balance temporarily, God has given us clarity to take this journey One Day at a Time “with him”. He has also made it clear that this is “For His Glory”. That means our family will experience God in a fresh and unique way than we have before, and that others around us, if they choose will also experience God in a unique way, if you choose to really press in and become aware of what God is doing.
He has not left us to experience this alone. God has given us family and friends who have been God’s Grace to us literally in more ways than we can keep up with.
Questions we hear often are, How can I help? What do you all need? What can I do?
1. Pray - God is ultimately in control and where we have limitations, God is bigger and can provide better than our greatest desires, hopes and expectations.
2. Be Creative - There are no limits to kindness and generosity, we accept it all (LOL). We recently had a friend bless our family with an experience to see Aladdin the broadway play. Jenise also loves flowers, so something simple is just as amazing.
3. “Thinking of You help” - Have you ever just thought of someone and called or texted them? That goes a longs ways. We are relational people who enjoy connecting. (We are also adults who can set boundaries) give us a call a text a little time is what we need on this healing journey.
4. Medical & Regular Expenses - As our medical bills start to come we are anticipating the challenges that come with covering the cost without going into debt and also paying our regular bills on time while with a new reality financially. We will share how to help financially in the near future.
5. Food/Meals - A friend set up a way to help provide meals and food for our family because the “main chef” is cooking a lot less:) You can find more into on how to help with meals by clicking Take A Meal Info below or just contact Jenise and I if you have an idea.
Happy New Year
Day 24 #HealingJourney
Wednesday, January 4th, 2023
We hope you had a great Christmas and enjoyed bringing in the New Year. We were very very blessed this Christmas to be home together as a family celebrating our favorite season. We also were loved on by family and friends in a memorable way.
WOW! Today was a day. After almost 4 days of not feeling well and Jenise finally is rebounding from her second session of Chemo. If you don’t know her treatments are set up every other week so there is a period of time where she feels terrible, then she comes back to a conservative version of herself before receiving the next treatment.
Jenise is doing well today but I know I had a roller coaster of emotions today. I think Jenise felt some of her own as well. Today was the day fully embraced and let go of…… “her hair”…
Turkey, her college teammate and good friend who was the first person to do her hair in college, came over today to cut Jenise’s hair all off. The chemo has started to make her loose her hair. Many have seen Jenise’s long thick and pretty black hair. She has alway had it since she was a baby and today… it’ gone… temporarily.
This experience surfaces and exposes a lot about our life… letting go and holding on are tensions we all have to deal with, sometimes when you wish you could avoid it. Ouch!
One. Day. At a Time.
For His Glory
-JB
Wednesday, January 4th, 2023
We hope you had a great Christmas and enjoyed bringing in the New Year. We were very very blessed this Christmas to be home together as a family celebrating our favorite season. We also were loved on by family and friends in a memorable way.
WOW! Today was a day. After almost 4 days of not feeling well and Jenise finally is rebounding from her second session of Chemo. If you don’t know her treatments are set up every other week so there is a period of time where she feels terrible, then she comes back to a conservative version of herself before receiving the next treatment.
Jenise is doing well today but I know I had a roller coaster of emotions today. I think Jenise felt some of her own as well. Today was the day fully embraced and let go of…… “her hair”…
Turkey, her college teammate and good friend who was the first person to do her hair in college, came over today to cut Jenise’s hair all off. The chemo has started to make her loose her hair. Many have seen Jenise’s long thick and pretty black hair. She has alway had it since she was a baby and today… it’ gone… temporarily.
This experience surfaces and exposes a lot about our life… letting go and holding on are tensions we all have to deal with, sometimes when you wish you could avoid it. Ouch!
One. Day. At a Time.
For His Glory
-JB
We shared a special moment together, when the kids were able to join Jenise for one of her Chemo sessions. As hard as this is, God has given us opportunity to lean into his peace and rest while sharing this with the people we are really close to.
This is an experience that our kids will never forget. They are seeing their mother fighting and staying strong, they are experiencing what it means to walk through this together, they are seeing people reach out with love and generosity in a time of need, and most importantly they are seeing what it looks like when a community turns to God for help.
Day 18 #HealingJourney
Thursday, 12.29.22 11:07am
We have to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the many friends that have already stepped up to provide, a meal, an afternoon out, a gift for Jenise and the kids. God has used “people” to show his love and care for us during these first few weeks.
It’s a journey, more sharing from us on the way!!!
One day at a time.
Getting Ready for #2…
As with most things during this season, the future is unknown. Jenise doesn’t know how she will feel or how her body will respond to the treatments. We’ve prayed for God’s grace in minimizing side effects and giving us wisdom for what to do when symptoms or challenges pop up.
Last week was the week off of treatment and each day Jenise felt better and stronger. She had multiple days of working out and being active. We are grateful for the simple times that we can enjoy a walk with the dog, a bike ride, a morning stroll at the park or visit to Fairchild Gardens and an occasional outing to the store.
Tomorrow, Friday afternoon Jenise will have infusion session #2. We are a little anxious about it, so as you are able… keep us in your prayers!
Day 5 #HealingJourney
Friday, 12.16.22 @ 4:50 pm
Today was the first day of Chemo. It’s official, the infusions have started. All the doctor appointments to explain the process, reading materials and articles, listening to others experiences, has led us to today. What will this #HealingJourney be like for Jenise?
We can’t thank our family, friends, and however we are connected to you enough for your thoughts, prayers and support. It’s been incredible to see the grace and love of God toward us through the people God has put in our life. Here is what our day looked liked.
Got to our room and got set up. Jenise has her, AO1 (Audience of 1) water bottle, journal, Bible, Praying Through Cancer Devotional, bluetooth speaker for music, weighted blanket, warm socks, and her “God’s Got It” hat.
In a battle like this we are being intentional with every part because this is an opportunity to experience a miracle, to see a miracle and to be part of a miracle, beyond what we could hope for or imagine.
Jenise is human, so am I, we had tears today, fear crossed our path and so did disappointment, but neither of those feelings will define us or be our story. God has given us hope and courage and many friends to be inspired.
Jenise is doing good, she is able to walk around house and function, but needs to chill and rest because her body is beginning to feel the Chemo at work.
HOW TO PRAY:
Pray for God to Heal Jenise.
Pray that the process of Chemo will take the cancer way completely.
Pray that the side effects of feeling sick would not overwhelm Jenise.
Pray for strength to push through mentally.
Pray for her to rest well when she sleeps.
Pray for Provision for our car to be fixed (recently stopped)
Pray for our home to stay germ free (we have kids:)
One Day At A Time.
Favorite Moment Today
Music is essential in our home. Everyone plays something. An instrument, the radio, spotify and apple music (hahahahahah). I’ve had the privilege of leading the band Run51. The best part of the band is the relationships and shared experiences.
Several members in the band have overcome serious challenges. Today our dear friend and favorite vocalist Josh, talked with Jenise and her request was for Josh to sing a song.
To our surprise, Josh recorded and sent a song to Jenise.
Not only did Josh encourage Jenise, he simply took a moment to step outside himself to care for someone else. So many of our friends are doing that in this season. Let’s make this world a better place by paying attention to others pain.
Love yall much, TeamBurris
Day 3 #HealingJourney
Wednesday 12.14.22 @ 4:15pm
Today was the third early morning in a row. Our routine is simple. Jenise and I get up around 5:00 am, read, workout, talk about the day then go wake up the kids so we can all do our Advent prayer and reading together.
After this, the day begins. As one of us becomes the morning DJ, breakfast gets made and we are reminded that we are to enter the day, as Jesus entered the world full of “Love and Hope”.
Today was Jenise’s last pre-treatment follow up at Miami Cancer Institute. She had labs and everything looked great. Met with the doctor to discuss final questions and procedures before Friday’s treatment. Lastly we met with our educator to get the details of each step, the rules and best practices.
It was lot of information, some which makes us emotional. Jenise said today was like getting in the starting blocks to run a marathon. Like the shirt she has on today, She’s Running To Win!
Prayers Welcomed.
One Day At A Time.
Favorite Moment Today
While walking through MCI today, we heard Christmas Carols. It was my friend Pastor Sammy! They stopped right away, gave us love and an encouraging prayer.
It was a special moment because it’s hard to believe sometimes that when you are walking in a dark and discouraging place that you are alone, and God might be somewhere else blessing people. But we were reminded today that, God is everywhere! Even at MCI, he’s there!
Not only did Pastor Sammy pray for us, but there was a young lady who was weeping as we were greeting each other. I loved seeing the singers surround her, comfort her and pray for her in her time of need.
We are in a battle and while I believe God will fight for us and heal Jenise, we are reminded to…
“Be strong and courageous… Be Strong and very courageous… Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you…” Joshua 1:6-9
Day 2 #HealingJourney
Tuesday, 12.13.22 @ 10:20pm
Many have asked how is Jenise doing after the Port Placement procedure that took place yesterday…
She’s doing great! She has some soreness that she’s navigating and had two days of doing very little and resting. So we are thankful for a smooth process.
Today she had an echo cardiac test. Again everything went well and smooth and looks like her body and heart are in a strong state before she begins treatment on Friday.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We know that God is with us on this journey as well as friends and family. We will get through this together.
One Day At A Time.
Day 1 #HealingJourney
Monday, 12.12.22
This morning we ate breakfast together dropped off Eli at school, on our way to West Kendall Baptist for the Port Placement surgery she is having today @ 9:45am.
Jenise looks and feels great she sporting her Victory Beyond hoodie which reads:
“Set your mind on things above and not on the things that are on earth.”Col 3:1
It’s Day 1 of the Healing ❤️🩹 Journey…God is with us.
One Day At A Time.
Thanks for your prayers.
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