LOSS OF AN ICON

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I was reflecting on my friend Michael Jones as I was driving home from Cleveland late last night.  I had taken my son and 2 of his friends to RocketMortgage Fieldhouse to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the phenom Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.  It was Ian’s Christmas gift as he is a big NBA fan.

And the reason Michael came to mind on the drive home was prior to and during the game they prepared and delivered some poignant tributes to Kobe Bryant. 

 

Before the game began, the Cavs held the ball for a 24 second clock ‘violation’ in honor of his number 24 after the Pelicans allowed for an 8 second backcourt ‘violation’ to honor his other number, 8.  That was following a moment of silence prior to the National Anthem. There were several highlight reels shared during timeouts.  Each in its own way very honoring for a sports legend tragically lost along with his daughter and 7 others this weekend. 

Kobe’s loss has resonated around the world, even in my home for when I walked in the door on Sunday, I found my son in tears from the news. 

And sadly, some even are capitalizing on it as evidenced by the T-shirt huckster selling a Kobe tribute shirt outside of our parking garage.  SAD.

Kobe was talented, relentless, dedicated, passionate, a WARRIOR, known for being a loving dad, and an insightful mentor to many. 

Some of you know one of my “vices” is I do watch and listen to quite a bit of sports radio and coverage and many of the respected voices and most gifted pens have shared their memories and their laments.  Rightfully so.  It is not often when an icon is taken from us prematurely.  Payne Stewart comes to mind for me. 

But so, does Michael Jones. The icon, Michael Jones.

Now some of you along this distribution will say, “WHO”?  Michael Jones?  Did he mean Michael Jackson and make a mistake? 

No, his name was Michael Jones. 

He was a good friend, a bit of a spiritual son. 

And he too was talented, relentless in his pursuit of the Father, dedicated, passionate and a WARRIOR.

And like Kobe on Sunday, we lost Michael as suddenly and inexplicably on Monday.  After doing what he loved, playing games with his friends, this time pickleball, a massive seizure pilfered his last breath.

The loss was equally shocking; more so for many of us because of our intimate connection to Michael. 

Now for those of you who knew Michael knew he loved to WORSHIP.  He worshipped a “little weird”, that is indisputable.  Michael would shadow-box while he worshipped the Lord.  What he was “fighting” I never was totally sure, I assume it was his challenges, his demons, his fears and what not.  Maybe he was doing the fighting for friends who couldn’t.  Maybe he was reminding himself that he needed to fight for his Father in this world. 

Some of you who read this blog are probably more qualified to tell us “why”, but that is what I always thought.  From my lens, worship for Michael was TRAINING.  It was training his mind, his heart, and his spirit for the battles in his life which were many.

And that led me to this passage,

Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. Psalm 144:1-2 (NLT)

Michaels training instilled in him a gentle spirit, a huggable demeanor and a captivating smile.  His training prepared him to defend the Lord who he sincerely loved! And despite limitations that may have discouraged others, Michael “fought” through them to become a light to many, an encouragement to the depressed and source of energy for the wearied.

For those of you who didn’t know Michael, I am sorry.  If you had, you would have never forgot him.  And I know if he were still with us, still hugging, still smiling, still fighting he would encourage you to do what he did.

Love folks.  Smile more. And never stopped training, fighting for the Lord.

fight with faith for the winner’s prize! Lay your hands upon eternal life, for this is your calling—celebrating in faith before the multitude of witnesses! – 1 Timothy 6:12 (TPT)

That is your assignment today.  Follow that icon Michael Jones' lead.

Michael fought.  Michael won.  Michael got his prize.

I love you all!

Have a BLESSED DAY!

Opportunities for Hope