Kobe’s Legacy and Ours
Life can change in an instant.
When we heard about the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and everyone aboard the helicopter trip to a basketball game, we were shocked and numb. We pause if but for a few minutes, hours or maybe a day to express our sadness and sympathies and mourn the loss. It is especially personal for many of us because although we may never have met Kobe, we felt we knew him through the force of his personality on and off the court.
We cannot believe that life is so fragile. In the morning, a group of people say goodbye to their loved ones for a routine trip and then life is turned upside down forever.
I learned the lesson tragically over thirty years ago, when my mother passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 44. It shook me to the core. I was in my early twenties. I always knew that she was young but when I entered my 40s, I looked at my life and asked myself, “Am I doing the most with the life that God has given me? Am I maximizing the gift of every day and my God given potential?”
Rather than let our awakening go away in the face of this tragedy as will likely happen for most of us when we look at the news of the day or are distracted by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we have a opportunity. We can let this moment pass without a change in our lives or we can harness the gut wrenching reality check for eternity.
Kobe was more than just one of the greatest basketball players. I was touched by a number of Kobe’s quotes that can serve as a source of inspiration and growth for all of us. In death, we are obligated not only to mourn the darkness but spread his light.
1. Be a Team Player: Celebrate and Honor Every Person’s Contribution
“I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.” Kobe Bryant
Action: Take a moment today to send a note of gratitude to someone in your life that helped you whether as a child or adult. We are where we are in life because of the kindnesses of so many people. Say Thank You! Make it a daily practice.
2. Express Unconditional Love
My parents are my backbone. Still are. They're the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40.” Kobe Bryant
Action: Call or send a Note to someone in your family, a colleague or a friend and give them a word of encouragement and let them know how much you love them or believe in them. Make it a weekly practice.
3. Be the Best Version of Yourself: There is Only One You
“I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.” Kobe Bryant
A couple of years ago following his final NBA game in 2016, Kobe was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He responded, “When I was 15 I told myself I want to be remembered as a talented over achiever and as being blessed with talent but working as if I had none.”
Action: Identify your Talents. Work each day to Realize Your Unique Potential. Moving outside your comfort zone is your growth zone and the key to being the best person you can be!
The night that Kobe died many of the teams in the NBA paid tribute to him by allowing the 24 second clock to run out, in his memory, as his jersey was #24.
In his memory, pause every day for 24 seconds to spread some light. In a few seconds, a smile, a hello, an encouraging email or call can truly make a difference.
Eternalize this moment. Carry the legacy of Kobe, his daughter and their friends by filling our world with their light. Wishing their families much comfort and strength and may their memories be a source of blessing and inspiration for all of us each and every day.