Podcast: Play in new window
I’m as shocked as you are about the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. I’m more than shocked actually, I’m dumb struck. Whatever I’ve been thinking and feeling about the passing of my mother not making sense, Kobe’s sudden loss of life makes even less so.
L.A. Times reporter, Bill Plaschke, covered Kobe Bryant entire sports career. He shared his thoughts — and emotions on Sunday. “Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas and how does that happen? Kobe is stronger than any helicopter. He didn’t even need a helicopter. For 20 years he flew into greatness while carrying a breathless city with him…I’m screaming now, still shaking, still not believing. Kobe Bryant is gone.”
Disbelief.
I think that’s a good word for how we all feel I think. You would think that by now I would have realized that often life doesn’t make sense but somehow life being senseless doesn’t make it any less upsetting when it doesn’t.
Does that mean, however, that we shouldn’t try to make some sense out of it? Shouldn’t we attempt to learn something that will help us to live life going forward with more meaning and intentionality since we still have the gift of breath.
I’m heartbroken for Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, and their girls. I can’t imagine the pain they must be feeling. But if there is an silver lining to be found in this situation, they can take solace in the coming days, months, and years in this. That man lived well.
He clearly left a legacy in his wake because he consistently lived out a theme within his story.
Can you say that you are doing the same? The theme of your life is the core of your legacy. Your theme doesn’t have to be something that you are famous for. It simply has to be something about you that’s consistently true.
Because I’m in my feelings about my own grief and am now doubled down in my emotions contemplating the brevity of life and our intentional disregard of this truth, I took liberties with this episode of the podcast I don’t normally take. I simply wanted to make this show mean something more.
I want you to remember it and I want this message to stick.
Your story matters. And when you live life well, your story has a theme.
A tune.
A melody.
When you live your story like no one else can, the people whose lives you touched will not only remember the theme of your story, because they know it so well they will also be inspired to sing along with your song.
Are you living your story intentionally so that you create a story worth remembering? Do you see them emerging as you go about your days?
I hope so.
And if you don’t, today’s a good day to start singing.
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
- Living with legacy
- Channeling grief
- Understanding your superpower
Resources from today’s show
- L.A. Times Article written by Bill Plaschke
- My podcast series on legacy: Episode #241, #242, and #243
- Have you had the opportunity to watch my mother’s homegoing celebration? If not, click here.
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Other Stuff to Check Out
- Need to encourage your soul? Try listening to the playlist I put together for my mom, Lady Lois’ Worship
- Interested in supporting the content I create and enjoying bonus content? Learn about becoming a co-producer!
- My book, Be sure and also check out my other books She’s Still There,
- 28 Days of Prayer, Show Up For Your Life, Kingdom Woman!
- Did you catch the latest video I uploaded to my YouTube channel? I shared a message I gave recently at my church on The Sword (The Word of God). Watch it by clicking HERE.
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!
- What is the theme of your legacy?
- How did you handle the last trauma or tragedy in your life?
- Was this podcast helpful? Why or why not?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
Chrystal, I have been listening to your podcast more in recent months. I love your content in general but this episode hit different. I loved the music, the timing where you inserted the music when you spoke of themes, everything about this episode was lit. I honestly need to start living with legacy in mind. I want to do so many things but haven’t started with one. Time waits for nothing. I want to give God a great return on His investment. Thank you, Chrystal.
I really enjoyed this podcast. Thank you.
I believe my theme is creating safe, love-filled space for others and being a serial encourager. My paternal grandmother transitioned on Good Friday in 2016, unexpectedly, and I was devastated. I was numb for months, not knowing how I got from my house to work and back home (45-60 minute drive from North Dallas to Ft. Worth) most days. I felt like I floated over my body for a long time because it hurt too much to really be fully here. My chest ached…I literally felt my heart breaking and bleeding all over the place and I couldn’t take it. But, eventually, I found myself falling more in love with the things she loved… the color yellow, flowers (especially gladiolus), cooking, and baking, in particular. She was an intuitive cook and I decided to enroll in culinary school to develop my skills. I graduated this past fall and now am crafting my version of some of her trademark treats… the vegan way. I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle a year after her death and haven’t looked back. Cooking, baking, and even gardening make me feel closer to her… it’s my prayer I’m continuing her legacy of love with delicious food. Your podcast was extremely helpful; I’ve shared it with my closest friends and they agree that it’s timely/useful. Continuing to hold Pastor Evans, yourself, and your family in prayer, daily.
Thanks for listening Candace. And yes for gravitating toward the things she loved. Proud of you for learning how to grow and change in the midst of grief.
Girl, you on fire ! Praying for you all continuously
Gillian
I think this is my favorite episode! Not only because of all the memories around the TV theme songs you played but because this is something I’ve been gravitating towards for the last few months or so. I am 52 and have been thinking about the fact that I need to slow down and focus on what really matters. I can’t do it all and even if I tried I won’t do it all well. I have more years behind me than in front of me and there is so much I have been focusing on that, in the end, really doesn’t matter. Thank you Chrystal!
I’m new to podcast Chrystal. This is Mama Kay. This episode has helped me immensely. It’s been 2 years since I lost the love of my life n I’ve struggled with what do I do with myself now. Well my reoccurring theme in my life is that I’m an encourager. As I listened I could see how I’m a motivator and life coach. Thanks for helping me dissect my thoughts. Now I can move on to the next level of my preparation season of my life.
Hi Mama Kay! I love you so much. Yes, you are an encourager. I’m glad the podcast was helpful. Thanks for listening!
What is the theme of your legacy? Intentional living. Leaving the past there. Learning from it but not staying there.
How did you handle the last trauma or tragedy in your life? After a year of losing my father-in-law, mother, cousin, and dog all in the same year. Then my maternal aunt (the last of ten) it has been a season of mourning. I have learned in this season to not suppress my emotions. After my aunt’s passing, it hit me like a ton of bricks. All of those emotions came flooding to surface. Grief hit me hard!
Was this podcast helpful? Why or why not? Yes, It just helped to reinforce that we need to live a life that is just beyond feeling good, or trying to do everything all at the same time.
I love how you used our favorite theme songs to light a fire under us. We have been reminded of life’s brevity. We need to let it sink in and grieve appropriately. However, our assignments still await.
Thanks CEH – I don’t always listen..but when I do, there is always something just for me. Still in prayer for you and the fam and the body of OCBF. Love ya!!!
Hi Ms. Gail. Good to hear from you.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this ♥️Legacy