Every Life Has Dignity: On Lebron James and Two Brothers

You need to see this video. Conner and Cayden Long are brothers. Here’s how Sports Illustrated for Kids tells their story:

Conner Long is nine years old. His little brother Cayden is seven. But Cayden can’t do a lot of things his big brother can do. At four months old, Cayden was diagnosed with a condition called hypertonic cerebral palsy, which leaves him unable to walk or talk on his own. … A year and a half ago, he and Caydenstarted participating in triathlons together. Conner swims while pulling Cayden in a raft, bikes with his little brother towed behind him in a trailer, and pushes that trailer when they run. Over the past 18 months, the pair from White House, Tennessee, traveled up and down the East coast to compete in races. Seeing the brothers working together has inspired onlookers, while bringing Conner and Cayden closer than ever. 

Read the whole piece.

The video features none other than LeBron James reflecting on the example of Conner and Cayden. James says some powerful things that show he respects character and wants to raise his sons to be virtuous. LeBron has attracted a ton of attention in his young life; famous the world over, he’s a sinner like any of us.

I was struck recently by the pathos of his life story, spelled out in a fantastic piece by Eli Saslow for ESPN the Magazine in October 2013. LeBron grew up without a father. He slept on couches in strange homes for most of his childhood. He was not destined for greatness; more like struggle. But he was cared for by some kind souls who saw his talent. In the face of tremendous adversity, he has become impossibly successful. From what I can see, he seems to love his boys, and to want to give them what he did not have. That is powerful. I do not know the state of his heart, but I can say that his story is deeply affecting, and that I am rooting for him, both in human terms and because I want his inspiring story to culminate in the miracle of regeneration.

Both narratives–the Longs’ and Lebron’s–remind us of the dignity of every human life. From what I can tell from the video, Cayden Long was supposed to be abandoned. The doctor advising Cayden’s family told them, “Your son is going to be a burden. Put him in a home.” But his family gave him life and brought him to their home, and now–though facing many challenges–he is happy and beloved.

Friends, every life has meaning. Every life has purpose. Every person deserves to live. These truths are undeniable. In these days, the church must risk its solitude, find it courage, and speak up and reach out for those who cannot help themselves.