We are but a mist ... here today, gone tomorrow

I shed tears today hearing the reports that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died today in a helicopter crash in California. Such a tragedy. Reports now say nine people died in that crash. The tragedy is horrible for the family, relatives and fans of all of those who died. Most of us focus on the tragedy of Kobe’s death because ... well, he was Kobe Bryant, the “Black Mamba.”

Why the tears? I didn’t know him. I usually cheered against him and his Lakers. But I loved watching him play. I’m truly heartbroken over the news of the loss of one of the greatest basketball players ever. 

My tears are for his wife, three surviving children, family and friends who are in total shock right now as their world has been shaken to its core. The death of his daughter compounds the sadness. My tears are for the loss of such a young man who provided millions of us 20 years of enjoyment with his unbelievable, god-given talent that was superior to everyone else during his NBA era. Michael had his era, and then Kobe took the game over. We don’t know these superstars, but we admire them and follow their careers to where it feels like we know them. 

My tears and heavy heart are for not knowing if Kobe, his daughter, and the other seven who died were saved or not. Did they trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior? That’s the most important question for all of us. When we leave this earth, and we all will die one day, where is our eternal destination? If we deny Jesus and never surrender to His Lordship, eternal Hell is our destination. Eternally separated from God. But the good news is if we do give our lives to Jesus, surrender to His Lordship, live for Him here on earth we will be with Him forever. Eternally in the presence of the almighty, all loving God. Where is your heart today? With or without Jesus? If you aren’t sure you still have time. But none of us, like Kobe, Gianna and those on that helicopter, know how long.

If you aren’t sure or have questions, please ask me. I’ll do my best to provide answers. Here’s a link to a page on our Love In Action website that may help as well, https://loveinactionministries.com/t4t/follow-jesus

May God comfort Kobe and Gianna’s family, relatives, friends and fans, and those who mourn the other seven who died. May all who mourn find peace in the love of Christ. May Kobe’s infant child grow up and learn what an amazing athlete daddy was and how he made millions of people smile, cheer and cry. May this help all of us remember how short life is and focus on eternity. 

Thank you, Kobe Bryant, the “Black Mamba.” We will never forget all of those amazing moments you gave us on the basketball court. You inspired so many people, including a little kid who grew up to be called “King James” and moved past you last night to become the No. 3 scorer in NBA history. And, you graciously congratulated him immediately. I hope you knew Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I’d love seeing you play on a golden court for eternity. I’d love to play you one-on-one, because it would be so cool being dunked on by one of the greatest of all-time.

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” - James 4:14