Winning Through Losing
“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
Jordan Bohannon looked into Section KK at Carver-Hawkeye Arena to make eye contact with his older brother, Zach, to confirm one last time: The plan they had discussed was still in motion.
Earlier in the game against Northwestern, Bohannon had tied Chris Street for Iowa’s consecutive free-throw record.
Street had died tragically in a car accident on Jan. 19, 1993, as an Iowa junior. The school retired his No. 40 jersey and established the Chris Street Award, the most hallowed athletic accomplishment at the university. It’s given each spring to the player who best exemplifies the spirit, enthusiasm, and intensity of Street.
Three days before he died, Street sank his 34th consecutive free throw. He never shot another one. For 25 years, Iowa players have approached that mark but always came up short. Bohannon now had his chance to eclipse it.
The scenario, however, had been considered. And the decision had been made. The sophomore guard would intentionally miss a free throw, even with the Hawkeyes nursing a late lead in their regular-season finale.
Having made 34 consecutive free throws to tie Street’s school record, Bohannon stepped to the foul line with 2 minutes, 15 seconds remaining and Iowa leading 73-65. He left the shot short, off the front rim, and pointed to the sky.
With one short-armed attempt, Bohannon's mission was complete. He had ensured his name would be next to — not in place of — that of Chris Street in the Hawkeye basketball record book.
Afterward, Mike and Patty Street — Chris' parents, who are season-ticket holders — embraced Jordan on the Carver-Hawkeye floor. Patty Street was moved to tears by the gesture.
“It wasn’t my record to have,” Bohannon said. “Life is obviously bigger than basketball. It deserves to stay in Chris’ name.”
Bohannon showed a keen awareness that there are some things more important than personal advancement. By valuing another above himself, he might not have been a record-setter in one book, but he certainly was a winner to the Street family.
How about you? In a world that rewards those who seize whatever they can grasp, what would it be like if you intentionally chose to lose and let someone else win? How powerful might that statement be?
In a world that rewards those who seize whatever they can grasp, what would it be like if you intentionally chose to lose and let someone else win?
You might find that the same sort of fulfillment that Jordan Bohannon did.
PRAYER
Lord, I confess that all too often I look to my own interests first and foremost. Help me to see the beauty in looking to others’ interests as well. And, as I do, help me to remember how You did that for me.
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