“Call Vince!!”

Kobe Bryant.

One of the greatest basketball players to ever grace the game.

He had killer instincts.

Known as "The Black Mamba" he'd say he had an assassin’s mentality when it came to executing and winning.

I’ve rewatched old interviews where Kobe spoke on how he came to develop that mental strength.

It was his conviction that he had to outwork everyone and give his all in every minute of every game.

He would say people are paying hundreds and thousands of dollars to watch me play the game I love. How can I give anything less than my all?

"Inspiring" falls short when describing Kobe Bryant.

But one of the most insane moments in his career was when I heard Kobe recall the year that he and Vince Carter met on the court. But it was Kobe’s mindset before he even got to the stadium that blows me away. That Mamba Mentality.

"Vince was "tearing up the league” at that time" Kobe shared.

The Lakers were set to face-off against Vince and his Raptors.

The game was a turning point mid-season.

It would help determine who kept the momentum for the rest of the year.

The day of the game came, and Kobe woke up with intensely painful back spasms. In the interview Kobe recalls him saying to himself, wincing in pain:

“Kobe, you can miss any other game, take any day off, but today is not that day.”

He knew that his team and fans needed him, so even though unbearable back spasms, Kobe’s thought was

“Call Vince, and you let him know he has to see me today.”

Kobe did not back down. He never did.

When you face pain that tries to stop you in your tracks, you can either call off, or you can,

"Call Vince."

Verses To Digest:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work,

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”

Colossians 3:23

Your Next Steps:

Face today with that “Mamba Mentality”. Go for the kill.

Is your rent due and you’re behind on bills?

Take some extra shifts.

Is your husband or wife drowning in a busy week?

Pull some extra hours helping them muscle the weight.

Is your friend facing some difficult times?

Buy them lunch and be a listening ear.

Do you have a dream you’ve always wanted to pursue but you’ve second-guessed yourself?

Then go grab the phone, and get Vince on the line.

Let Vince know that you’re here to face anything and anyone that comes your way. Yes, you might be facing back spasms.

There might be times that you simply want to give up and not move forward or step up.

But think about your team, those you love in your life. With each back spasm, give yourself this Kobe Bryant style pep talk before your game today:

Before you call it quits,

“Call Vince.”

All love,

Lowery