Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which GOD has promised to those w ho love him.
James 1:12
The coin toss begins, all eyes are on the center court, the basketball goes up in mid air and the camera captures a close up of Team Captain Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbur of the Blessedness of Believing Victor’s All StarTeam. He's the MVP- yes, "Doctor Stabury !"
The fans are standing on their feet laving their flags, donning their Starbury sports gear, the referees are in place and the cheerleaders are in motion, the auditorium is in a frenzy! Folks it’s another all electric evening ripe with anticipation! It 'a a stary night and already the sports casters have declared that the Blessedness of Belieiving’s Basketball Team are the victors!!
A great basketball game is never easily won, the competition must give the opoosing team a thorough run, a real workout for the championship! But I declare that it’s well worth the time, effort and energy exerted.
We’ve penned Starbury as Doctor because he takes care of business and looks out for his team mates, executes the plays proficiently and plays the game with a heart to win! Look out opponents he’s strong and armed to win the game! On and off the court of life-he’s admirable.
Ok, ok I suppose you basketball enthusiasts know that I am having fun, because I haven’t yet purchased my basketball franchise nor recruited my all star team; but if I did have a choice brother Stephon Marbury would be my pick of team captain-he’s a noblemen. I hope there’s such a word. He’s my choice as a young man of valor! What I have learned is that not only does he play basketball well, but he’s a man of character and conviction. He has a heart for the common man, working parents as well as his comrades and colleagues- “the ballers and shot callers!”
He remembers what struggling feels like. Ask him about his youth. My spirit applauded his tenacity and vision when I once again had the opportunity to learn of his stewardship –first on 60 Minutes and again, this morning on TJMS, The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
He partnered with Steve & Barry’s to promote affordable clothing. It was a God send for many parents struggling to clothe their children with the desired sports gear. He now has a new venture with Amazon.com.
I listened intently to his interview on the TJMS Tom Joyner Morning Show today. I believe he’s unmovable and abounds in his faith. It’s been exhibited over the past few months regarding the New York Nicks' decision. It’s apparent he leans on the word of God and hasn’t died in the wilderness of adversity! Enjoy his blog which may shed some light on the adversity that he’s confronted and had to endure:
www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger
Even in adversity, opportunity does knock . Yes we aren't exempt for God's blessings in the midst of difficulties and hardships. For those of us currently enduring hardship during adversity, we can think of this young man as our team mate “Doctor Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbury ” – our MVP in his natural and spiritual game of life! Let’s confidently post his picture in our psyches and label him triumphant!
We are triumphant also , even when we are a free agent-released from the places that once employedand comforted us! when the familiar is now foreign to our way of living and thinking. I believe the time out allows God to have our undivided attention and if we allow Him, God's perfect will is manifested! We are then shored up for the next leg of the journey! Just reflect and look back. I was so pleased to learn that Stephon wouldn’t settle for what others deemed as “his worth”.
He envisioned more in his financial settlement and was not wavering. I further applauded his conviction and his forthright attitude! Mr. Marbury has vision not only for his basketball career but his personal pursuits which entail helping others jump start their career and aspirations! I commend him-he’s a young man with a panoramic view! As of this writing he’s still a free agent and I am excited about the possibilities for him that lies ahead. During ths morning ‘s interview with Tom Joyner he shared that at the end of the day he takes himself home and must live with his decisions. Wow, isn’t that the truth for all of us?
My mother said, something similar; she reminded me as a young teen that everywhere I go, I take myself with me! Those were her exact words! That sage wisdom never left me. It’s clear that we can’t run from the hard choices and the difficulties in life. But they'll only lay in wait for us. We’ve got to face them head on and not cower out of fear. Stephon’s work ethic, life lessons and parent’s home training has afforded him the ability to understand that a plan of action which includes having a personal mission and vision, must be executed even while we wait. Wait on our change to come!
A plan of action for the lean as well as the lax moments is a necessity. But just hold on to the realization that opportunity is rounding the corner and will be knocking at our doors! I am certain God had this all planned for us as well as our all star player: Stephon Marbury-to learn and appreciate !
Why not be like him and appreciate that opportunity does knock even during the most peculiar times. Our friend has creatively designed a plan be inclusive of stewardship—which will will make someone else’s load lighter. He’s invited those interested in learning about an opportunity to financially grow independent at
opportunity@starbury.com
Don't doubt his motives and sincerity. Remember he had the heart to assist working families with the creation of sports/basketball gear that wouldn’t break the banks? In his own words:
"As Jay said, "there's much bigger problems in the world I know
but I first had to take care of the place I know. I'm from the bottom..." That's
where I'm at. We are putting people in position now to control thei r own
destiny through opportunity@starbury.com Most companies are laying people off but we're putting
people on. Not only that but we are putting small businesses on and providing
moms and pops stores opportunities to get into e-commerce and expand their
product distribution and grow th eir companies. To me that's a win-win.
http://www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger
Ok folks the game is underway and Dr. Starbury has command of the court and he’s passing the ball to you and me!!! heads up! Don’t miss the move of God!
Have a super day friends!
Shared with Enthusiasm,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
