Team Tragedy

The Oklahoma City Thunder has experienced a season of adversity…and I don’t mean on the basketball court. They have recently had three tragic deaths within the organization: Assistant coach, Monty Williams' wife, Ingrid, was killed in a car crash last month; part-owner, Aubrey McClendon, died in a car accident last week; and the younger brother of guard, Dion Waiters, was randomly shot in Philadelphia this week.  In light of everything they’re dealing with, and beyond their play on the basketball court, this team strongly stands together. I watched an ESPN report by Royce Young who discussed how the team knows each other well and handles things as one. He talked about the culture and continuity within the organization, and how extremely important that is when trying to overcome devastating events like these. The Thunder is a team that does life together (note the bowling photo above). The reporter also said, “They’re with each other through good things and then they’re there for each other with bad things...so I think that’s where culture, and continuity, and togetherness really comes in and plays a big part.” I’m guessing not every NBA team has that type of bond within the locker room, and imagine how much harder this season would be for the Thunder if they didn’t have the closeness they are relying on right now. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” I’m sure we can all relate to the Thunder, as either tragedy or difficulty has infiltrated our own lives. But if we invest in our relationships, then we know we will have someone to lean on during seasons of adversity. On days we are confused or angry or ready to give up, we can be comforted in knowing we have a friend or family member willing to pick us up and encourage us to trust God for strength. Life is hard, but having deep and meaningful relationships allow us to have each other’s back and persevere together. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that I don’t have to go through life alone. Thank you for providing important Christ-centered relationships and bringing people alongside me when things get tough. Please help me to be there for others and do my part in developing deeper bonds. I pray you bring new people into my life or show me the relationships I need to invest in more. Thank you for loving me first and for allowing me to have the ability to love others. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.