Taking an ‘L’ is a basketball term that carries several meanings. 

For players, it might mean missing a shot, getting crossed up, or losing a game. 

In the high-stakes officiating world, it could be a wrong call, a heated conversation with a coach or player, or—I know this will shock you…a missed call. 

But the stakes are higher in our spiritual journey. Each decision, each call, shapes our path. 

However, a transformation occurred when I shifted my focus from the WORLD to the WORD. Notice how in ‘WORD,’ there are no ‘L’s; there are no losses. 

It’s a reminder that in God’s word, promises, and guidance, we find a path free of the ultimate loss that leads us to victory in Christ.

When we choose to follow the ‘WORD’ and listen to that still, small voice amidst life’s chaos, we’re not just avoiding an ‘L’ in the worldly sense but securing a win in the eternal sense. 

So, as we navigate the pressures and noise of this world, let us remember that in the WORD, there are no losses, only lessons and guidance toward a life of fulfillment and purpose in Christ.

It’s about shifting our gaze from seeking validation and fearing failure in the eyes of the world to embracing the illumination and truth found in walking with Christ.

As fans around the country celebrate their teams’ wins in the NCAA Tournament, we are reminded of the ultimate victory in the Christian faith—Easter. A profound event that has nothing to do with winning a game but everything to do with Christ’s victory over death.

This weekend is a time to reflect on the impact of choosing the WORD over the world. Every time we take an ‘L,’ there is an opportunity for a comeback. It highlights the ultimate shift from loss to victory, despair to hope, and darkness to light.

For my friends who don’t believe in God or are far from God, Easter reminds us of the unending grace available to us and the promise of new beginnings. It is a chance to celebrate Christ’s victory (the resurrection) and the daily victories we experience through faith in our own lives.

I’m a prime example of how my most significant triumphs come not from my achievements on the court with a whistle but from the love, redemption, and eternal life promised through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.