It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for school to start again. In Gwinnett County, our students begin classes on August 4. Whether you’re a grandparent reflecting on how much your family has grown or a parent preparing for the first week of school, August always brings a mix of urgency and reflection. There’s a sense of movement in the air, but also a desire to hold on to something stable. 

I’ve seen how this sense of movement can reveal spiritual truths. Interestingly, I learned this not in a church setting but on the basketball court on Fridays, in the 50-and-over men’s basketball league. The lesson is simple. To be able to move, I must arrive an hour early to stretch and practice by taking 50 shots, then go through a pregame routine of shooting from specific spots on the court. Finally, I must mentally anticipate how the game will unfold. When the teams are chosen and the game begins, it’s time to surrender to the game's flow. 
 
In his book Sacred Hoops, legendary coach Phil Jackson shares a similar lesson when discussing his coaching of Michael Jordan, which was not just about winning, but also about trusting. To surrender doing everything alone, to play in rhythm with the team. What is that rhythm? The Triangle Offense is a system built on trust, movement, and timing. Here are five lessons based on trust, movement, and timing: 
 
Lesson 1: Faith is trust in action. Trust is what unites us as a community, especially during times of change and uncertainty. Michael Jordan learned: “I can score 50 and lose... or score 30 (make 7 shots per quarter and add a couple of free throws for extra measure) and help the whole team win.” He had to trust the offense. Trust the team. Trust the coach. Faith isn’t just what we believe; it’s who we trust when everything shifts. The pace quickens. But God remains faithful. In times of uncertainty, we don’t just push through; we lean in. 

Lesson 2: You don’t have to do everything. Back-to-school season brings pressure: forms, clothes, meals, activities, and rides. Deep down, many parents feel stretched and unseen. Jordan had to learn to stop carrying the team alone, and we need that reminder, too. You don’t have to lead your family perfectly. The family you’re building now, no matter how messy, is powerful. You’re shaping how love is given, how faith is practiced, and how healing begins. 

Lesson 3: Friends make all the difference. In our community, we're not just friends or church members; we're a support system. We're here to share the load, listen, and walk together. Championship teams are made of more than stars; they’re built with teammates who show up, pass the ball, and hold each other accountable. Whether you’re a student, a senior adult, a parent, or a newcomer, the people around you shape your story. 

Lesson 4: It isn’t about being flashy; it’s about faithfulness. Our church isn't about grand gestures or flashy displays. It's about being there for each other, day after day, in the ordinary moments of life. The triangle offense didn’t rely on one player. It depended on movement, space, and selflessness. That’s how I see the Church: not as a stage or a show, but as a faithful community of people growing together. We’re not perfect. But we’re present. We’re not trendy. But we’re trying. And God meets us when we gather with open hearts and willing spirits. 

Lesson 5: The future is built on faithful foundations. As Jackson led the Bulls (and later the Lakers) to multiple championships, he wasn’t just focused on winning that year; he was building a culture that would last. And as a church, a family, a person of faith, you’re doing the same. Every step you take this fall, every habit you practice, every conversation you choose with grace over judgment, it’s building something. 
 
So, as school starts, summer ends, and schedules shift, let this be your reminder: You don’t have to perform your way to peace. You don’t have to parent your way to perfection. At Snellville, we’re not just trying to run better plays. We’re learning to live a better rhythm, making room for trusting God and each other.
 
At the Intersection,
Dr. Quincy D. Brown
Senior Pastor