The world lost Kobe Bryant, another legend and champion, in a tragic accident on January 26, 2020. And distant as I may be from his life and family, I can't help but think about it— about him and his daughter, his wife and other children, and their family, and about the others who also perished in this tragedy. I think about the tears that will be shed, hearts that will hurt and grieve, minds that will wonder and race with "why" and "what if" and "what now” and “what next.” I think of all the memories and moments (of greatness and not so great) that will flood screens, fill radio, and replay in minds and hearts of family, friends, and fans.
And as I think, think about all this my mind asked— "What do I say to the hurting, the grieving, the wounded and the lost?" Not some pithy saying or trite cliche, I dare not. Not some rote phrase without heart or meaning, or empathy. Not some promise to pray— without the follow through on knees blended and hearts bowed. Not some tried and true, but lacking in compassion, phrase about heaven and angels, or better places.
Could I even declare any words for help and strength, for our lost dreams and theirs, for this crippling hurt and pain, for their grief and sorrow and dare I say ours and/or others? Honestly, is there any word for hope? Are there any words for when we need comfort and for when we need encouragement? Is there a word to defend against anger to protect against rage, to let our hearts be free to be human— any word to just let us be broken?
For hours, I find no words. For hours, only silence and more silence, and still silence. For hours my heart swirls in the silence of grief, shock, and then two words from, of all places, the book of Job. Two words for the loss of a legend, a father, a husband, a friend, a familiar face, a pioneer, a coach, a man chasing greatness and— two words for all the countless many who grieve him or grieve others well known and not — "God understands!"
God understands— how we feel (our hurt and pain, sorrow and guilt, fear and longing, questioning and doubt, loneliness and despair, our grief and sadness, faithfulness and faithlessness, even our anger and disappointment). God understands! I sit still in these words. Take a moment. Sit still in that too— breathe it in, hold it, let is soak up your tears, soothe your aching soul, and comfort your heart. He understands our need to vent, our need to question, our proclivity to doubt, our fear and the fullness of our sorrow. Let the full weight of an understanding love settle upon you... God understands! Two words to those who grieve, who long for hope, who ask the questions through tear stained eyes and breaking hearts— two words for the family and fans of Kobe, and for the family and fans of every great person gone too soon from someone’s life.
Now, may the One God, who always understands, be with us and provide for us in this moment and all the moments of this life and life's journey— the understanding we need, the love and understanding we want, and the promise that someone bigger than us and bigger than this moment knows and cares! May the compassion and love, comfort and grace that flow from the abundance of His heart of understanding be with you.
Deepest sympathies on your loss (of whomever or whatever, whenever it occurred). My prayers and thoughts are with you. Grace and peace to you—Cassius
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