Yesterday the world lost an iconic basketball player. Kobe Bryant, the retired LA Lakers star, was 41 years old and traveling with his daughter (13) and 7 others in a helicopter on Sunday morning when it crashed, killing everyone on board.
During his 20 year career with the Lakers, he won 5 NBA Championships and won 2 Olympic gold medals for the United States. He wasn’t perfect on or off the court, but strived to be the best he could be no matter what obstacle was in his way—that later became known as the ‘Mamba Mentality‘.
When the world loses someone it looks up to, admires, and sometimes emulates, it is hard to accept why God would allow something so tragic to happen to someone so young. At these times, it helps to hear from Christian leaders, pastors, musicians, athletes, and others who believe in the mighty savior Jesus, to guide us well into hearing the Holy Spirit during sobering times like this.
May this remind us that the entire world around us longs for someone to worship, but most don’t even know it until it is gone. Brothers and sisters, we have that eternal hope and life we can offer them. We can’t make them take it, but we can tell, express, and plead they know it before it is too late. May we worship our King Jesus in a way that makes others long to worship as well.
Join us in praying for all of the families who were affected by the crash yesterday.
Here is what some Christian leaders are saying after hearing the news of Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing.
Reports say that NBA great Kobe Bryant was among 5 killed in a helicopter crash in California today. Our deepest condolences & prayers for the families of all the victims. https://t.co/hkGnwti6Cf
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 26, 2020
There is nothing more common to the human experience than death. It is a part of life yet it is a fear evoking, painful mystery that we rarely get accustomed to. The tragic loss of Kobe, his daughter Gianna and seven others reminds me of my own mortality.https://t.co/WSItFwtmCA
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) January 27, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminWatsonOfficial/posts/2560967217363727
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zEe5VpJRT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
My wife's father was killed in a small plane crash over 50 years ago, and that tragedy still affects us every day. Pray for the remaining family of Mr. Bryant and his dear daughter, for the months and years to come.
— Mark Dever (@MarkDever) January 27, 2020
Absolutely heart-breaking to hear that coach John Altobelli, his wife, and daughter died alongside Kobe and his daughter. I knew, played against, and nearly transferred to play for him for at OCC.
Altobelli was a class act. Life is so short. May the Lord comfort all impacted. https://t.co/21fhip1ivc
— Costi W. Hinn (@costiwhinn) January 27, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zc3cDnwt4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This is heartbreaking!
Praying for his wife and children. https://t.co/bylgO74Osd— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) January 26, 2020
Tragedy and sudden death reminds us of the reality of the brevity of life. Especially when someone as young as Kobe Bryant & his daughter leave us way too soon. Tears accompany the pain of loss. Grief is heartbreaking. But there is hope in Christ and peace to those who believe.
— Jack Graham (@jackngraham) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/craiggroeschel/status/1221543073924206592
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7y9WVHl6oH/
Life is short.
Love well. #RIPKobe
— Priscilla Shirer (@PriscillaShirer) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/RealRomaDowney/status/1221522553644077057
https://www.instagram.com/p/B703pQBhleU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Had a somber talk with Floyd, the clerk at my hotel. We talked about #Kobe’s tragic death & the brevity of life. I shared the gospel with him but he‘s already a believer. So I encouraged him to share the Gospel with others. People are open to talk about God, especially now.
— Greg Stier (@gregstier) January 27, 2020
This is unreal.
The only words I have, I share with God. Prayers for the family of #KobeBryant and all those effected by this tragic loss.
Oh Lord bring healing and comfort. Jesus be a healer.
— D.A. Horton (@da_horton) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/RaviZacharias/status/1221666108756955137
Oh my goodness, you guys. I’ve not been on social media today till now nor read any news. What a terrible tragedy. Praying for the broken hearted. I long for the day when death will be no more and every tear will be wiped away.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) January 26, 2020
I know people died today all over the world. I know most were not famous. But few or none had their 13 year old daughter with them. 41 is too young, 13 is tragic. I am so saddened. Can’t imagine what family is going through. I pray they make it to tomorrow and then the next day.
— Willie Robertson (@williebosshog) January 27, 2020
I heard the news on the 11th tee today. We’ve lost a great man, an incredible athlete, a legend. His daughter and the others that were lost… it’s unimaginable. My prayers go out to all their families. Thankful for all we have to remember you by… RIP Kobe
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/pastoremase/status/1221562901800062980
Very moving. Grieving the loss of one of the game’s greatest, his daughter and 3 others of equal value, all beloved and precious in his sight. Tragic. Only one life to live ‘twill soon be past… https://t.co/RNV4u8jYrS
— J.D. Greear (@jdgreear) January 26, 2020
