March 2020 Monthly Letter

Dear ORM Reconcilers,

Yes, even in our diverse world, it is still possible for young, old, black, white, brown, and all people to come together. On January 26, 2020 the whole world did just that in shock, sadness and tears and pain as we mourned the loss of an icon, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others who perished in a helicopter crash.

My wife and I get nervous when we think about this kind of accident because part of our son’s job is flying around in a helicopter. We were just as devastated as everyone else when we heard about all of the people aboard who were just taking their kids to play basketball. We prayed for their families.

I will share some of the comments I heard:

“It seemed like a weird stillness around the world.”

“People needed to do something, or go somewhere.”

“Basketball players were apologizing to one another.”

 “I was amazed how big an impact Kobe had around the world.”

 “I wanted to tell my parents, my husband and kids how much I loved them.”

 “In honor of Kobe, people wanted to let go of grudges, forgive one another, and ask for forgiveness.”

Shaquille, Kobe’s friend and former teammate, said he decided to make a major life change after Kobe’s death.

In the future, people will be asked, “Where were you when you heard about the death of Kobe Bryant and the other people who were on the helicopter?” They will also be able to say how that tragic event helped them to change their lives and families forever.

This has been a sad few weeks, but out of the sadness we were able to see a glimpse of what reconciliation could look like.  Black, white, brown, young and old people were all united in their shock and grief.

Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” We heard and saw that taking place in the wake of that tragic helicopter crash.

We know there is much work to be done but as Kobe Bryant loved to say, “Let’s keep pushing.”

God bless you and your families as you continue to show that love and respect for others. Your donations have been a blessing in keeping this ministry going. Thank you very much.