The sudden and tragic passing of Kobe Bryant sent shock waves around the globe. Unfortunately, January 26, 2020 will forever be one of those eerie dates when you remember exactly where and when you were when you heard the news. Although Kobe was only 41yrs old, he managed to accomplish more than most in 10 lifetimes. 5 NBA Championships, 2 Olympic Gold Medals, or his final NBA game where he put up 60pts to an electrified home crowd! His final words to the fans as he left the court, “Mamba Out” and he literally dropped the mic! Off the court, his accomplishments continued: winning an Oscar in 2018 for his animated documentary, pioneering and championing the cause of women’s athletics and last and probably most important, being the proud dad to 4 daughters. He made the “#GirlDad” cool. You couldn’t write a more perfect script, until the ending nobody saw coming. Tragic. After having a few days to process, I think Kobe has given the world one more gift. The Book of Ecclesiastes says:
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.”
Ecclesiastes 7:2
Kobe’s sudden death has forced the world to pause and remember things we know to be true, but lose sight in the busyness of our life.
1] Our life is but a vapor- there is no guarantee of tomorrow- love deeply, feel, enjoy where you are rather than always wanting to be somewhere else. Be fully present. Hug your kids. Hold your spouse.
“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
James 4:14
2] Make the most out of this life God has given you. Wring out each day for the glory of God and the good of others.
“making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:16
3] Where will you spend eternity? It’s moments like these that we realize, 41yr old people die. Athletes, movie stars, young, old……death doesn’t discriminate. I pray you have that question answered.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
…….Mamba Out.