I keep watch of the headlines these days. My twin topics of interest recently are; the Corona disease virus 2019(COVID-19) and the New Orleans Pelicans Basketball team with their new phenom, Zion Williamson!
So what does a “frightful” new virus that is almost being perceived as a pandemic have in common with a young new NBA player? Walk with me.
The World Health Organization announced an outbreak of the Corona Virus in Wuhan, China around the last week of December 2020. As of today, almost all continents have announced cases with sub-saharan Africa being the least hit. The announcement however, by Nigeria of an Italian visitor having tested positive, has instilled fear not just in the hearts of Nigerians but in her neighbours such as Cameroon. More than 3300 deaths have been recorded worldwide due to the virus while over 88000 people have tested positive for the virus. You can see current updates here https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/.
On the face of it, the prospects are truly frightful. When the disease broke out in China sometime in late December, the initial reaction of the authorities was to try and silence dissenting voices but that all changed when the numbers of the infected increased exponentially. While a vaccine is yet to be found, you can take care of yourself and family by washing your hands frequently, coughing into your elbow and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching other objects or persons. Like SARS, this is a new virus so it will take time for the medical community to learn about it and to develop an effective vaccine against it. Forget eating all the garlic in your house and emptying pharmacy shelves of Chloroquine, that won’t work!
Around the same time when the new Corona virus started making headlines, the Basketball world was literally waiting for the first game of the overall 1st round pick in the recent NBA draft, Zion Williamson. The 19 old year had unfortunately been sight lined for most of the first part of the season due to injury as his team “excelled” in loosing!. Since Zion debuted in January, the teenager has been nothing short of a phenom. He has been a game changer from his first game with the New Orleans Pelicans (the Pels) after sitting out most of the season due to injury. His debut on January 23, generated much hype and his fans enjoyed what they saw. This kid has a gift for basketballand has been “bullying” players who have been in the game for as long as when he turned 5. Zion and the Pels have been rising and bringing a lot of excitement and joy to their fans and the league in general.
So, both the COVID-19 and Zion are making waves right now, and the world is taking note. I predict that this will not be the first virus in this new decade and Zion, will likely not be the latest fad with NBA fans in the next decade either. As time passes, the headlines change but one truth that will never change is: Jesus is the Way the Truth and The Life. In the midst of hopelessness, uncertainties,politics, fears, joys and celebrations we can turn to Jesus for answers with gratitude. Do you have hope for the future or are you just waiting for the next headline to excite you? These all will pass, but one thing never changes, or better still, one Person never changes. He is called the Alpha and the Omega, existing beyond the confines of time yet never late! Trust him with your fears, worries, questions and doubts. There is hope in Jesus.
