Prepared and Ready

“Life is what happens when you are waiting for something else.” – Allen Saunders

Andre Ingram has played in 384 basketball games for minor teams in the United States as well as overseas.  Over the past 10 years he has played for teams in Orem, Utah; El Segundo, California; Perth, Australia; and then in El Segundo again.  Andre works extra jobs, to help provide for his family, since he never makes more than $30,000 a year.  He continues to tutor junior high and high school students and share his passion for math and education in his spare time.  With a physics degree from American University, Ingram knows he could find work in his field of study but every time he considers giving up his dream of playing basketball in the NBA his desire and passion win out.

Recently, Ingram went to a  meeting that he thought was the season exit interview for the minor team.  He was surprised when he realized that Luke Walton, Magic Johnson, and Rob Pelinka were present.  Walton told Andre that “We were bringing him up because we thought he could help us when we have able bodies down, and he can shoot the ball.  It was for us just as much as it was for him.”  The men had Ingram call his wife and daughters to relate the news.  Their response was lots of screaming.  Ingram said, “They probably let out what I truly wanted to let out.”

So at the age of 32, Andre Ingram suited up and had a chance to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.  The 6’ 3” guard scored 19 points.  He only missed two shots and those were ones where he was fouled.  Ingram scored 4 out of 5 three pointers and 6 out of 8 from the field.  Ingram finished the night with the “Highest scoring post-All-Star break debut in the entire NBA since 1953.”  Hopefully there will be more NBA games for Andre Ingram in the very near future.

Whether it is for now or in the future, in sports or life in general, there is something to be said about having goals/dreams and being prepared and ready when opportunities arise knowing that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. I Corinthians 9:2

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.       I Timothy 4:8

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6