6.17.22

In February of 2016, a woman by the name of Ingrid Williams was driving when an oncoming car, operated by a driver under the influence, hit her head on. The accident took her life. Ingrid was the wife of Monty Williams, the current NBA head coach of the Phoenix Suns. At the funeral, Monty Williams stood up and delivered a powerful eulogy. It wasn’t just what he said that changed the way I viewed faith and will forever help anchor me in the hope only Jesus can offer… it was the strength in how he gave his message. Rather than type or explain it, I want you to watch it for yourself because while his message is powerful, his delivery is what truly speaks the loudest. Here it is:

A Message of Strength, Faith and Love

My first thought after watching the video is always, HOW!? How can someone experiencing such agonizing pain and loss, respond with such forgiveness, grace, and hope? How does someone get to a place in their life where they can have such a firm foundation to where not even the fiercest storm can keep their lips from saying, “God is love, God is good… this will work out… and that family needs prayer as well.”

The only way is Jesus.

I was listening to Joe Coffey speak recently and God further helped me answer the “how” question. Joe said that every kingdom has a currency, or something to get paid in. The currency of this world is success, wealth, and status – things we all want. But the currency of the kingdom of God is different than this present world. Joe explained the currency of the kingdom of God is peace, hope, joy, love, and glory. He describes glory as a weightiness and a solidness. The more time we spend growing in the love of Jesus, the more solid we become.

“But we have this treasure (currency) in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Monty Williams had been paid in glory for years. He was so solid, and had so much hope, that when the fiercest tornado hit his life, it did not break him, and it moved him to forgiveness. I have this video saved in my phone and watch it once every month or two to serve as a reminder of how strong and solid I can become by knowing and growing in the love of Jesus. It has been an anchor for me because while I cannot control when or how hard storms may hit my life, I can have Jesus with me to provide unshakable hope!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” – Romans 8:28