I remember watching a documentary on ESPN about the friendship of John Wall, a superstar guard for the Washington Wizards, and a young girl named Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson, battling childhood cancer. The film was in-depth on how the family was surprised at how he would be there for her and constantly encouraged the family while she went through various stages of treatment. People applauded him for his care for someone that, at the time, many didn’t even know he was helping. The brief short was terrific in the storytelling, music, and how the interviews were directed. Then it dawned on me. Why haven’t we heard from the young girl? Countless times, a young person would still be interviewed about how they loved the athlete or wore their jersey for inspiration. The moment that thought came into my mind, the documentary changed to state how Damiyah had finished her battle with cancer on December 8, 2014.
Not one usually to tear up or cry, but that one hurt. It was tough to see how awesome this young girl was because she only had a moment to be loved by so many. I didn’t even know the girl, but the story was told so that it hurt me. Then, I could only imagine her family, friends, and John Wall.
On December 9, 2014, the Washington Wizards played against the Boston Celtics. John knew of the young lady’s passing and, of course, could have sat the game out due to grief. Instead, he chose to play and wrote her name on his shoes. He dedicated the game to her and led the Wizards to a 133 to 132 double-overtime win against the Celtics. After the game, the emotions were too much, and he wept on national TV while being interviewed regarding little Damiyah Telemaque-Nelson.
Jesus experienced a tragedy, not to Himself, but when John the Baptist was arrested. He knew it would not go in the preacher’s favor. John the Baptist wasn’t just the person who placed Him in the water but also his cousin. Jesus had a family member go through a great tragedy and pressed on to do what God was calling Him to do.
Often, the most challenging time to commit to the Lord isn’t when something happens to us. We often push through the pain or use it as motivation to be stronger. In reality, the most challenging times can be when a loved one is going through a situation, and you’re helpless to do anything about it. Despite this, God has spoken, and we often have to answer with our actions. No one said it would be easy. Life is tough. We know that, and it includes our loved ones as well. When tragedy happens, recognize that it’s not easy. Recognize how it makes you feel. Recognize what you can do to help a person in need. Recognize the limitations of the situation and do your best to push on. It won’t be easy, and you might have to take what’s next day by day. Still, do something for God, and don’t back down from who you are. Of course, don’t ignore the person, but stop. Honor that person and who they mean to you with your actions of love, not only towards them but also towards the people you might serve and, of course, Jesus Christ.
