by VC Edwards
The death of 5-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant and his daughter hit everyone hard who knew him, in particular men, who played the game of basketball with him on the world platform, and fans who were inspired by his performance and dedication to the game. There is no recollection in recent time when men across the country have been so affected by a tragedy, as this one. Fellow basketball players and celebrities have been tearful and speechless, trying to process the devastating loss. Kobe’s loss has left men blindsided and bewildered, as they reflect on a friend, a legend and family man, gone too soon.
This is one of those times when it is necessary to sit still to figure out life, shutting out the senseless noise of the world, and listen to God for the answer everyone wants to know, “Why?” Or a more beneficial question, to go forward, “If Kobe died in tragedy, what should I be paying attention to, to better protect my family and myself?”
Don’t let grief consume you. Remember fond memories. Stay connected with family. Laugh and enjoy one another. Don’t waste time trying to figure out why you are still here, and others are not. Live the way you want to make your loved one(s) proud, who have gone before you, with the expectation of seeing them again in a place that only accepts those who fight a good fight to love everyone.
Every man, who admired Kobe is needed to be the most valuable man, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teacher, neighbor and coach for the younger generations. Regardless of your financial status, whether you have millions or you can’t find work, your greatest value to your children is to stay present and be a part of your family, as a team player. If you don’t have a job, you can contribute to the lives of your children by taking them to and from school; and if you have a job, make sure you make time to connect with your children.
Use this time of reflection, as a chance to change anything you can make better in your life. Pass up activities that don’t represent the real you. Get rid of everything in life that is unacceptable for the position that you have been granted and purposed by God. Give yourself permission to reflect and meditate (simply think). Take pressure off yourself to go about your routine as normal; take time to renew your mind and spirit, reduce depression and stress by eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and drugs, which worsen depression and grief. Stay hydrated with water, fruits or vegetables. Change your schedule by examining your friends, and ending friendships with men who behave like boys. Downsize extravagant living and cut out senseless engagements. Stop running after material items, so you can look for meaning in life to make a difference for the oppressed in your community or communities you left behind.
Men can reassess life by figuring out, “What are you fighting for with your time, money and resources to help others?” Are you representing your family, your children, all children, and “your people,” respectfully, in public and in private? Are you writing a check for a cause, and also checking into societal problems to make systematic changes for lasting improvement for others? Are you maximizing your opportunities to help others on whatever level you have been afforded, whether on a community level or a national and global level?
God let you be here to fulfill a purpose, whereas someone else may have fulfilled their purpose, even though you weren’t aware of it. Plan a new thing to make a profound difference, whether it’s mentoring boys and teens to be responsible men in society, or spreading the camaraderie spirit of sportsmanship to transcend racial barriers in all areas of society.
The way for men to protect their families, and find comfort that will not disappoint, in good times and bad, is to seek a personal relationship with God. It’s not hypocritical to come to God when life is terrible, because no time is ever a bad time and it’s never too late to get connected with God, to prosper spiritually, or financially. Most people find God after a setback, when they realize their capabilities, alone, are not enough. For more information, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”
Take this moment to get with God. Don’t avoid God because of shame from current or past behaviors. God is always willing to forgive those who are willing to change. This is not a time to doubt that God will accept you. It’s a time to connect with God, so whenever you complete your test in life, and your time is up here, your next life is certain to be amazing. For more information, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”
©VC Edwards 2020
The death of 5-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant and his daughter hit everyone hard who knew him, in particular men, who played the game of basketball with him on the world platform, and fans who were inspired by his performance and dedication to the game. There is no recollection in recent time when men across the country have been so affected by a tragedy, as this one. Fellow basketball players and celebrities have been tearful and speechless, trying to process the devastating loss. Kobe’s loss has left men blindsided and bewildered, as they reflect on a friend, a legend and family man, gone too soon.
This is one of those times when it is necessary to sit still to figure out life, shutting out the senseless noise of the world, and listen to God for the answer everyone wants to know, “Why?” Or a more beneficial question, to go forward, “If Kobe died in tragedy, what should I be paying attention to, to better protect my family and myself?”
Don’t let grief consume you. Remember fond memories. Stay connected with family. Laugh and enjoy one another. Don’t waste time trying to figure out why you are still here, and others are not. Live the way you want to make your loved one(s) proud, who have gone before you, with the expectation of seeing them again in a place that only accepts those who fight a good fight to love everyone.
Every man, who admired Kobe is needed to be the most valuable man, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teacher, neighbor and coach for the younger generations. Regardless of your financial status, whether you have millions or you can’t find work, your greatest value to your children is to stay present and be a part of your family, as a team player. If you don’t have a job, you can contribute to the lives of your children by taking them to and from school; and if you have a job, make sure you make time to connect with your children.
Use this time of reflection, as a chance to change anything you can make better in your life. Pass up activities that don’t represent the real you. Get rid of everything in life that is unacceptable for the position that you have been granted and purposed by God. Give yourself permission to reflect and meditate (simply think). Take pressure off yourself to go about your routine as normal; take time to renew your mind and spirit, reduce depression and stress by eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and drugs, which worsen depression and grief. Stay hydrated with water, fruits or vegetables. Change your schedule by examining your friends, and ending friendships with men who behave like boys. Downsize extravagant living and cut out senseless engagements. Stop running after material items, so you can look for meaning in life to make a difference for the oppressed in your community or communities you left behind.
Men can reassess life by figuring out, “What are you fighting for with your time, money and resources to help others?” Are you representing your family, your children, all children, and “your people,” respectfully, in public and in private? Are you writing a check for a cause, and also checking into societal problems to make systematic changes for lasting improvement for others? Are you maximizing your opportunities to help others on whatever level you have been afforded, whether on a community level or a national and global level?
God let you be here to fulfill a purpose, whereas someone else may have fulfilled their purpose, even though you weren’t aware of it. Plan a new thing to make a profound difference, whether it’s mentoring boys and teens to be responsible men in society, or spreading the camaraderie spirit of sportsmanship to transcend racial barriers in all areas of society.
The way for men to protect their families, and find comfort that will not disappoint, in good times and bad, is to seek a personal relationship with God. It’s not hypocritical to come to God when life is terrible, because no time is ever a bad time and it’s never too late to get connected with God, to prosper spiritually, or financially. Most people find God after a setback, when they realize their capabilities, alone, are not enough. For more information, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”
Take this moment to get with God. Don’t avoid God because of shame from current or past behaviors. God is always willing to forgive those who are willing to change. This is not a time to doubt that God will accept you. It’s a time to connect with God, so whenever you complete your test in life, and your time is up here, your next life is certain to be amazing. For more information, read “How to Hear God to Prosper.”
©VC Edwards 2020
