Legendary Georgetown basketball coach, John Thompson, has passed away at the age of 78, but his legacy and impact will live on. I appreciated him as an outstanding coach, as well as his booming voice and excellent skills as a broadcaster.
The outpouring of respect and gratitude for Thompson has been great to see, as he made a significant difference in the lives of many. We not only hear the stories about players he coached and how he impacted them on and off the basketball court, but also the influence he had on those who never even wore a Georgetown uniform.
In today’s sports landscape, some coaches are more concerned with their next contract, their resume, or the bigger opportunity around the corner. John Thompson, on the other hand, was known for focusing on building people up, strengthening their character, and changing the trajectory of their lives.
He also stood up for what was right, pushed back against injustices, and leveraged his presence and influence for the benefit of others. Along the way, he happened to win a ton of games, a National Championship, and become a Hall of Famer, but that was secondary.
When people reflect on someone's life and describe who they were, it’s always interesting to find the common words that distinguish the person. For coach Thompson, “courage” stands out.
His family’s statement included, “We will cherish forever his strength, courage, wisdom and boldness, as well as his unfailing love.”
ESPN’s Jay Bilas wrote, “He was a truly great coach. He was a man of true courage and conviction. He was a true giant on and off of the floor."
ESPN’s Michael Wilbon said, "John was the most complex, fascinating, brilliant person I’ve covered. Courageous.”
As we honor the life and courage of John Thompson, and how he was more than just a basketball coach who worried about Xs and Os, I hope we'll be inspired to operate with courage in our own lives.
As followers of Jesus, we must be courageous to stand up against sin and injustice, to step out in faith, and to courageously serve others. It takes courage and boldness to leverage our influence and presence to benefit others.
We can have a tremendous impact on people’s lives and help change their trajectory, but we must have the courage to initiate the conversations needed and the action God convicts us to take.
When we look at the Bible, during a battle account found in 2 Samuel 10:12 (AMP), what Joab tells his brother Abishai sounds like a good charge for us today: “Be courageous, and let us show ourselves courageous for the benefit of our people and the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”
Another great encouragement is found in 1 Chronicles 28:20 (AMP): "Then David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and courageous, and take action; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor abandon you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.'”
On the days we don’t feel like we’re capable of being courageous and we're unwilling to take the necessary risks, we must continue to put our trust in the Lord and declare Psalm 56:3-4 (TLB): "But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting Him, what can mere man do to me?”
Today, let’s choose courage over comfort and people over Xs and Os. Thanks to Coach Thompson for being a great example! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me the ways I can be courageous and step out in faith. Please help me stand up for what is right and give me opportunities to make an impact on others. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are some experiences in your own life where courage was needed?
What holds you back from being courageous?
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