I was gone all last week, camping with my family in the Smokies. I had no email, texting, phone, TV, etc. It was GREAT! When gone for an extended time, it is always interesting to peruse the news of the last week. It almost escaped my notice that Manute Bol had died. I caught it via RSS of a news service which had a link to a Wall Street Journal story entitled: Manute Bol's Radical Christianity. I was intrigued. I had never heard that he was a Christian. Unlike many other celebs, apparently Manute did not seek fame and fortune. He took advantage of what God had given him and what doors God opened for him to help people who were desperately in need. What a contrast to most other NBA stars we hear about! Further reading uncovered rumors of some gambling, and I'm sure there were mistakes he made. But most people I read who knew Manute, spoke of his gentleness, joy, and love for people. Like a true disciple, Manute was persecuted for his faith, banned from his country, and died poor. According to the WSJ story, he gave most of his millions to help refugees in his native Sudan who were being persecuted by Muslims.
You can read the story here.
I'm not putting him on a pedestal. But reading the article made me think of some ways I want to be.
Here's what stirs my heart:
Live for others instead of self.
Be joyful no matter what my circumstances.
Put aside pride for the sake of Christ.
