God's hand....

God sometimes puts people in your lives. Some for a short time, others for a longer time. But I am confident in one thing...God uses others for good. I have and continue to be the beneficiary of these people and God's hand.

The year was 1992 in Chicago. Right in the middle of Bulls-Mania. We (Lane Tech HS - Varsity Boys Basketball) entered the gym at Whitney Young HS in the city playoffs a very large underdog (maybe one of the largest in modern Chicago basketball history). While the season had been one of the most successful in modern Lane Tech basketball history (14-0 in the regular season), the challenge before us was enormous....both literally and figuratively. See, we were about to step on the court to face King high school and their 'twin towers', Rashard Griffith (7'1) and Thomas Hamilton (7'4) in the City Public League playoffs.

Coach had instructed me on how to guard Mr. Hamilton, however as I stood there (6'7" and 180lbs) watching them enter the gym, I can honestly say...'I was scared sh@#%$less'. How exactly was I supposed to stop or even slow these guys down? I had never seen, much less played against anyone this big.

The game was a bit of a blur in my mind however....

...with approximately 3 minutes left in the game, somehow we were within 2 points...

But as basketball goes...we had a missed call by the ref lead to a dunk and 2 technical fouls by coach and the run that ultimately resulted in a double digit loss.

So, is this a story about basketball? No. At best, I was a mediocre basketball player on a very good team. Most of that team went on to compete at a higher level that I in either basketball, football or other sports. In fact, the reason I was on this team is still somewhat of a mystery to me.

So, why am I writing this? What is the point? Who cares?

I'm writing this because I don't see, hear or feel enough of the other stories associated with BLM that tell the story of 'how' African American's have literally changed the lives of millions of others.'

I don't hear systemic racism backed up by the very real facts of things like the Tulsa Massacre and how that impacted generational black wealth, statistics around white owned banks vs. minority owned banks and lending to blacks for both homes and small businesses, about the statistical and disproportionate impact that COVID is having on a minority children.

I'm writing this because what I AM seeing, hearing and feeling is breaking my heart.

In the same breath, I am so grateful.

Was coach (John Lewis) a good technical coach...I have no idea. Was he a great teacher...I also don't know the answer to that question (although his wife at the time was my English Teacher and kept tabs on me for coach).

Did John Lewis alter the trajectory of my life...yes. Did he have an impact on generations to come...yes. Was he exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it...absolutely. Was he giving of his time, his love and his energy for me (and others) in a way that can only be described as God like....100%.

Have I told coach....Every time we speak. I love him. Always have, always will.

Agape?(Ancient Greek ?γ?πη, agapē) is a Greco-Christian term referring to unconditional?love, "the highest form of?love, charity" and "the?love?of God for man and of man for God".

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A coach's worth isn't found in their win/loss record or on their resume but in the impact made in their players' lives!