Sadness Can Inspire Also

There aren’t too many people who are not touched by the passing of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant. It’s surreal and it saddens us. It’s a sucker punch. Especially in light of the equally tragic losses of his daughter Gigi and her teammate, Allysa.

From family members to athletes to literary and musical figures, generational deaths – the passing of someone rising into their prime – happen so infrequently that we hardly notice ourselves in grief. Not this one. Kobe’s death shakes us to the core, even for those who aren’t basketball aficionados.

Kobe transcended basketball, much as Nipsey Hustle transcended rap. Somehow it just doesn’t seem fair. If you are as emotionally impacted by the events of last Sunday as I am, it’s okay.

You have every right to be, even if you are angry. It only means you’ve returned to be being human; you’ve been reminded of your mortality. But let Kobe’s greatness – as short lived as it was – remind you of your own God-given greatness and to live each day walking in that greatness. Because you have greatness within you!