LIFE AND BASKETBALL
What do all of the following locations have in common regarding my life?
Tennessee, Virginia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Hampshire, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, New York, Quebec, and the Philippines.
Answer: These are all places in the world the game of basketball has taken me to. Many of these places are locations of games or tournaments I played in during high school, college, or adult venues. But many of these places are locations where I went to use the sport of basketball as an avenue to share the life and message of Jesus with people needing to experience His redemptive love. On this website under “Why We Play” this phrase is listed as an answer:
“Because people are dying, and Jesus offers them life.”
Basketball is a wonderful tool for meeting people, creating conversations and bonds, and earning the chance to tell them of the abundant life Jesus came to offer. Whether it be a Filipino child in Davao City, an inner-city group of friends in Akron, or a Muslim in Bloomington, MN, I have seen how a round ball and a ten-foot rim have opened doors for me to incarnate Jesus to people needing his healing touch. Doors that I honestly do not believe would be opened if it weren’t for the abilities God has given me to play.
As my body begins to wear down and the aspects of the game I used to do more easily have become increasingly difficult, I now find coaching the game to be just as effective as playing in regards to sharing Jesus (and a lot less painful to the old joints!). I have taught private lessons, coached 7th grade girls, and organized instructional clinics, all for the purpose of helping people see Jesus.
You see…we are all gifted and skilled by God to do things that not everyone can do. If you are reading this article, I’m guessing you are skilled to coach or play ball. Take this gift and pursue using it to make the Kingdom & will of God a reality on earth as it is in Heaven. People are dying, but Jesus offers them life. Maybe basketball will help you share this truth in words & actions with those you meet at the park or in the gym.
Blessings!
Jamie Miller