Hearing the news of Kobe Bryant’s death today was very shocking and heartbreaking. It was even more heartbreaking to learn that his daughter Gianna also died in the crash. Kobe was my age (41) and his daughter was just 1 year older than our daughter at the young age of 13. There were a total of 9 people aboard the helicopter and no one survived. Tragedies like this remind us all just how truly fragile life is. Take time to hold the ones you love today. Tell them you love them and give them a hug. Life is so precious and our time is so short.
It all comes down to our last breath and none of us know when that will be. We must be ready to go at anytime. The only way to be ready is to believe in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. Kobe believed in God and he and his daughter are in Heaven now through their faith in Jesus. That is a great comfort and hope for those who believe.
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus speaking in John 6:40
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
My heart and prayers go out to Kobe’s wife Vanessa, their daughters, the entire Bryant family, and all the families who lost those they love. May God pour out His Holy Spirit on you all and sustain you with His comfort and love. May the grace and peace of the Lord give you strength as you trust in Him.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus speaking in John 3:16
Grace and peace to you all in the Name of Jesus
Ryan Callahan's Blog 
So sad.
Life is truly fragile. Things like this are very hard to deal with.
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Yes, very sad. Thank God their family has their faith to rely on. Such a great comfort to know Jesus. God bless.
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Yes.
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Beautifully said and just what we need at such a time.
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Thank you. God bless you.
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It’s so sad and heartbreaking.
He’s one of the greatest basketball player ever.
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I agree, thank you. God bless you.
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Agreed this is incredibly sad. I’m surprised by your statement that he is now in Heaven as I had not seen evidence of his faith in Christ (just Catholic attendance). Can you elaborate on your knowledge about his relationship with Jesus?
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I watched him play since ’96 when we both graduated from high school. I’ve read articles where he talked about relying on his faith. I cannot elaborate on his relationship with Jesus as I didn’t know the man personally. All I can do is take a man at his word. It is not for me to judge or doubt his faith or salvation. You should not be surprised by my statement. People who believe in Jesus go to Heaven. God bless.
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I just think it’s dangerous to so confidently post this, when as you admitted, you didn’t personally know the man. How many celebrities acknowledge and even thank God many times but never profess him as Savior and Lord, have a personal relationship and repent? Seems to be a lot. I hope Kobe’s faith was real but as James 2:19 reminds us, the demons also believe in God. My problem with your post is the way you stated he is in Heaven with no hesitancy as if you knew his heart personally. No, we are not to judge who is saved, which is exactly why I strongly disagree with your decision to write this assurance of his eternal destination. We will be known by our fruit. I don’t usually comment on things of this nature but I laid awake last night with an uneasy feeling so I felt the need to elaborate on my earlier comment.
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You felt the need to further judge the man Emily. It also looks like you enjoy arguing. There is no need for you to comment again. Like I said, all I can do is take a man at his word.
You didn’t know him, so you don’t know what fruit showing his faith in Jesus was evident in his life or not. What fruit is in your life showing your faith in Jesus? That question can be asked of any of us. Are you better than Kobe? I know Kobe was Catholic and I have major issues with the Catholic Church, but I’ve also known Catholics who believe in and love Jesus.
My point in this post is that if you believe in Jesus Christ, then you will go to Heaven, and that is good news for the whole world. I preached the truth that Kobe would only be in Heaven through his faith in Jesus.
I have 100% assurance that anyone who believes in Jesus will go to Heaven. You can strongly disagree with me if you want. That is what the Bible teaches. If Kobe believed in Jesus, then he is in Heaven. There is nothing dangerous about posting this “so confidently” either. I’m bold and confident in my faith in Jesus Christ and I take Him at His Word when He says that He will raise us up at the last day.
It is interesting that you are so quick to condemn the man with no hesitancy. Maybe that is something you should look at in your heart.
Grace and peace
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Very sad, my grandson will be 1 year older tomorrow. Very painful for all who loved him
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Yes, thank you. God bless.
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So sorry and sad about!!
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Very sad, thank you. God bless.
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Terrible tragedy.
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Yes, so sad. So thankful Jesus died for us all. God bless.
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Beautifully said, Ryan! Kobe and his daughter were so young, how does a family bear such a loss? I am praying . It does hit home when something like this happens and you are the same age, life is so fleeting. We, who have Jesus, because we accepted God’s gift to us, are so blessed with the knowledge that we will go home one day, praise God. I am praying for Kobe’s wife, children, his parents, and other family members during their time of mourning and for long after. God bless them! I haven’t heard too much about who the other people were, but I pray for them and their families, too. I pray all their families will find comfort in knowing they are in Heaven. Thank you , Ryan, for this, it was a beautiful prayer and a most helpful post. What a sweet photo of Kobe and his daughter, Gianna.
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Amen Mom, thanks. Love you🌺
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We certainly cannot take this life, or those God has placed with us for granted. Life is a mystery that becomes clearer through His loving guidance. Ryan, thank you for this beautiful expression of His love and encouragement to cherish those around us. ♥
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Amen Jacquie, thank you. God bless you.
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They will always be remembered.
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Amen, thank you Sheila. God bless
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Prayer for families.
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Thank you Bonnie. God bless.
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You also.
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Beautifully written bro.
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Thanks John. God bless, brother.
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This was so sad. A reminder to be making the best of every day.
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Amen. Thank you Jenny, God bless.
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Well said, Ryan.
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Thanks Dee. God bless
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