Connecting to your Power Source #15

Not too long ago my trainer and I were reflecting back on our playing days and his coaching days and we got on the topic of some of the best teams and players we played or coached against. Playing for two mid major programs, I always played with a chip on my shoulder, but there would be a moment or two in every season when I witnessed other players that were simply flat out better than me or more athletic than I could dream of. We were always given a scouting report on the other team and watched film to study their plays and the teams individual players. Looking back on those days, I can admit I was never scared or nervous going into a game and mainly it was because I found confidence in my team. I played on good teams and I knew how good my teammates were. So we might be playing a big time player or good team but I always trusted my coaches to put us in a good position to win. I also trusted that my teammates would do their part like I knew they were capable of. I loved being part of a team like that because my confidence wasn’t solely connected or relied only on me. 

When you are a believer of Christ, sometimes it may feel like you're alone in a battle or going through a trial by yourself, but the good thing is you have the ultimate teammate. However to obtain His skills and power, you have to connect and trust in Him. It’s just like a cell phone. You have to connect to the charger to be able to use the phone and all of its capabilities. A cell phone without any power is useless. Just like if I went away from the coaches game plan or tried to prove to everybody how I was better than the player across from me and not that my overall team was better than the other team, then I wouldn't be trying to achieve the overall goal to win the game.  

I was listening to a really good friend last week on a zoom bible study call and he talked about meaning and purpose. He used an example of a basketball being filled with air. With air inside the ball, you can do so many things with it, it has a purpose. Without, it is flat and useless. Very similar to us letting the Holy Spirit live throughout us. Christ can fill you with whatever your purpose is if we go to Him for it. So, I encourage you to connect to your power source in Jesus, God, and His word and let it live through you. He is the ultimate teammate to fight with you on your walk to destiny. 

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

Enjoy the Growing Process #14

One thing that excites me each year is the summer. Ever since I was in high school, I loved knowing school was out, it was nice weather outside and most importantly, it was time to work on my game. Still till this day, I look forward to the summer grind and I pick specific things to add to my basketball game. It may be shooting from a farther distance, being more in shape, dribbling better or even a combination of things. I think one reason that I enjoy this time so much is because I am constantly looking for a way to improve and I know this is the time to take advantage of it. 

I often get so caught up in wanting to receive the end result that I miss the fun in the process. I love knowing I am trying to improve, but another reason I truly enjoy the summer time is because that is when I get to train with my friends and we push each other to get better. We create a bond that goes deeper and beyond basketball just by spending that time together. Life is short, and I know sometimes I can take this time for granted and forget to enjoy it while I'm going through it. 

Recently, I had this same feeling in my spiritual life. Going into what I thought would be one of the best seasons of my life, I prepared, planned and tried to do everything I could to get to my end result. God had other plans. With worldly circumstances and personal circumstances going on in my life, I would say I got caught up in not receiving what I thought I was going to get and it shifted my perspective a little. So even as I got deeper into my faith, I found myself trying to actively search for the final answers. Nothing is wrong with that, but it is important to have fun with the process of growing deeper in your faith and getting closer to Christ just like I do with basketball and my friends. 

The trouble that one can go through with this process, is growing weary and tired of doing it. I remember last summer I would wake up everyday and train with my trainer alone and sometimes other friends, but it was not always easy waking up at 6am most days. My reasons however, were because I loved the people that I got to see each day and I had a goal in mind I wanted to achieve. It’s important to not give up. It is okay to be tired and not want to do it, but that is why we must lean on the ones we trust to hold us accountable during that time of not wanting to go that extra mile. 

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9

A really good friend of mine told me recently, “That very thing that you think is holding you back can propel you so much farther once God decides it’s your time to move forward.” I thought this was powerful because a lot of times as humans we can look at our circumstances as something that is holding us back or an unfair situation, but that could be exactly how God wants to use you when He decides. 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:10

Moral of the story is, have fun being in the growing stage rather than not at the finish line yet. A relationship with Christ is what we should seek first and it is supposed to be an exciting and vibrant feeling. Also, challenge yourself. I challenge myself each year to get better at something in the game of basketball. Apply this attitude to your spiritual life and you’ll see the growth in your faith and ultimately you’ll have the peace to enjoy the growing process. 

Make a Change

With everything going on right now, I believe one way to help and show support is to not be silent in sharing stories, positive love, and show that you’re with righteousness. I will share a little bit about mine. 

I grew up in a very fortunate family situation based around love. With that being said, I am an african american and I did have to have special talks and realization about some truths of this world. I was taught to always be respectful, be kind and treat others the correct way. I was also told that not everyone would treat me that way and sometimes it would be because of my race. As unfortunate as that sounds, that was the truth I had to live with growing up and even today.

I have been stopped by the police based on suspicion on the neighborhood I was in, I have been stopped and searched because I was thought to have drugs in my car, and I have been looked at differently when walking into a store with a group of friends because maybe they thought we would steal something. I’ve never had any disciplinary problems in my entire life. I went to a predominantly white school growing up and made the honor roll list each semester. I say all of this to bring light to the point that even though I was doing everything I could to be successful, I still was looked at differently by some people.

One thing I am proud of, is the amount of relationships I have been able to create with all races and ages rather it be from me playing basketball, or just everyday interaction. Over the summers, I am a trainer at a basketball facility and I see kids and families of all races. Many of these kids I have been able to make an impact in their life. Even though I am just a small part of their day, I am able to help them out on and off the court. In order for us to make a change in this world, we must instill the qualities of Jesus in any type of interaction we have with someone. 

The bible speaks of protests and supports it. We are all called to serve the purposes of God. That includes righteousness. It is encouraged to fight for justice and righteousness for all because we serve a righteous God. We start by changing ourselves and our views on the injustice of the world. One thing we must know is the anger and dislikes of injustice is not called for us to act illegitimately. Legitimate protest honors God and His will. Remember, there are two types of ways of thinking we can have, God's way or the world’s way. You get to make the choice on which way you will decide to choose and which way you will instill and influence someone else. So as you stand up for the justice of society, share your story if you have one to give others information, open your eyes to the wrongs of this world, reach out to someone else of different race or color and show love, protest and rally in public righteously or even share positive things on social media. Stand up for what is right and bring the qualities of Jesus back into every area of your life to impact someone else's.