24 Seconds of Silence, For Kobe

24 seconds of silence for (Kobe Bryant) Twenty four seconds of silence, seems like forever, and yet seems so short. Just like Kobe's journey in life, so much accomplished and yet, cut off in death tragically. Kobe was known for his aggressive competitive spirit, the so called Mamba mentality. Most admired him, some revered him, others were put off by his appeared, aloof demeanor. Kobe had a way of conquering any adversity or challenge, that stood in the way of greatness. But, in the end... not even Kobe could defeat, the undefeated enemy... our common enemy... death. A death so sudden and tragic, that is for many, unfathomable... incomprehensible... but unfortunately true. Kobe's death is a grim reminder that no matter how accomplished, how great, how famous, how wealthy a person is... he is... was... he...and all of us are still only human... with our talents, deficiencies, foibles... and yes, even our sins... that is what makes us human. No human can escape the inevitability of death. It (death) is the unquestioned champion, with no rival (human) that can conquer it! Death can come suddenly... tragically... like in Kobe's case. Death can be slow, and painful... unrelenting... until it achieves it's goal. Some have said "it was Kobe's time to go" "his time was up" "God took him to play basketball in heaven". I'm sorry.... I know many people... perhaps even you... believe these things. Perhaps thinking this way gives some solace... or... relief from the grief. but... thinking about it... does it not paint God as cruel... vindictive and tyrannical? How can a God of love do such things? The fact is he doesn't. (See my poem It is not God's will for further explanation and reasoning.) Kobe and so many others fall victim, not to a predetermined fate... but rather, what the Bible calls "time and unexpected events" (see Ecclesiastes 9:11,12) I have to defend God, because, when there are tragedies, even so called,"acts of God" natural disasters, these are not caused by God. Instead of causing grief... God brings relief and comfort. We can look forward to the time, when all those in the grave will be resurrected back to life, here on earth, to enjoy life again with their loved ones. (see Acts 24:15; Job 14:14,15) (I know most if not all of you believe in an instant heavenly reward for those who die. I know that brings you some comfort and solace... I'm merely showing the Bibles teaching on the matter, and I believe that there is more comfort, more solace in knowing that our loved ones will be resurrected back to life on earth again.) Do not hesitate to contact me for more information. January 31.2019 John Derek Hamilton