A week has passed since the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of nine precious people – including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. It seems like a week-long funeral with many heart-breaking tributes and tear-filled interviews. Often when I attend a funeral and the deceased’s life is condensed into a few stories, I leave resolving to live better.
Below are five lessons I learned this week from the life of Kobe Bryant. Before I begin the list of lessons, I want to write what should be obvious; Kobe was an amazing basketball player with God-given ability, drive, and competitiveness. He was not perfect. However, we can and should learn from those who have gone before us. We are encouraged to do this in 1 Corinthians 10 and Hebrews 11-12.
Lesson 1
Take the time to encourage those around me who may be hurting (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Kobe, on the morning he died, texted Shaq’s son, Shareef, who was in the midst of making some life-altering decisions. Kobe knew that Shareef needed encouragement and he took the time to check in with him.
Lesson 2
Rejoice with others in their achievements, even if it overshadows my accomplishments (Romans 12:15).
The night before he died Kobe publicly tweeted congratulations to Lebron James who moved past him on the NBA All-time scoring list. As competitive as Kobe was, he was also humble enough to acknowledge another person’s success.
Lesson 3
Invest the time and effort to brighten someone’s day, even though they can’t reciprocate (Colossians 3:12).
I read numerous accounts this week of Kobe visiting sick children via Make-A-Wish, bringing joy to otherwise very sad circumstances. Kobe made over 200 Make A Wish kids’ dreams come true.
Lesson 4
Make the effort to bring joy to others, even if no one will see me do it (Galatians 1:10).
Kristen Hecht, the wife of a Phoenix Suns Executive, knew of a five year old boy who was terminally ill and wanted an autographed basketball from Kobe. Phone calls were made and when the Lakers came to Phoenix, it was all arranged. What happened next is amazing. Even though in town to play the rival Suns, Kobe not only gave him autographed basketball gear, he visited the boy and passed a ball around ICU with him for the better part of an hour. The boy’s mother said the time with Kobe was one of the few times she saw a smile on her son’s face. Kobe’s only request was that no one know his act of kindness.
Lesson 5
Invest the time to worship the Lord – I am never too busy (1 Chronicles 16:23-31).
Kobe and his daughter were in Calabasas to play on Saturday, the day before the accident. That night Kobe tweeted congratulations to LeBron (see Lesson 2 above). The next morning, even though Gianna had a game back up in Calabasas, Kobe and Gianna were in church worshipping the Lord – something far more important than any game or sport.
I pray that these five lessons will stay with me long after the tributes are over.
