A Miracle Game in the Park (Magic vs. Bird)

By Mr. Charity Christopher Annino

I have had to deal with a lot this past year –death, betrayal, physical and mental pain of all kinds. I have kept going and have found people that have been very positive in my life. About seven months ago I went to this church by accident – mind you I haven’t attended a church service in several years. But there was a driving force that told me I must go to this church. And man, church was the last place I would have wanted to go. I hated everyone and everything, including God. The people at Seaport Church took me in when many of my family didn’t want any part of me. They believed in me and still do. They have been my inspiration to get out of bed in the morning and care again.

Since I have attended church, I have experienced a renaissance and growth in myself and my spirituality. Recently there has been some bad stuff that has happened that really hurt. It is sad that people are after me and want to do me harm. It’s not so much that but more so a betrayal of a friendship. So I went for a walk and I passed a basketball court with this black gentleman playing alone I felt bad because I could relate to being alone. So I kept on walking as I had passed him he said, “Hey. Catch," and passed me the ball. He then said go ahead and shoot. I did and of course I missed.

So I continued walking away thought nothing of it. The man said, "Hey, boss. Let’s put some magic on it this time and shoot again it will go in this time." So he passed me the ball again and the the ball went in the basket this time. We continued to play for about 20 to 30 minutes. For that length of time I experienced a miracle – two grown men playing a game, no referee, but we respected the rules and we respected one another. Just like what God intended humans to be to live as brothers and sisters. I hope I get to play with that man again. After I left I told him, “Thanks, Magic. Until next time." He told me, "You got it, Larry Bird.” I smiled because deep down inside it felt like I was Larry Bird and he was Magic Johnson.

Miracles are present you just have to be open to them they can be anything. Let’s end this war and play basketball and make some magic with one another.