Photographs courtesy of Molly Peterson
At 6 feet 8 inches tall, when Jabari Parker entered the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pittsburgh, it was evident that the distinguished guest speaker had arrived at the fireside. A fireside is an evening gathering of members of the Church and friends, usually characterized by a speaker of interest. In tonight's case, a missionary serving in Pittsburgh named Elder - a title for missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Caden Judd, had invited Jabari to visit and share his experiences with an audience of young single adults. Elder Judd had grown up with Jabari, and all it took was a phone call from his lifetime friend to get Jabari on a plane headed to the 'Burgh. When Jabari walked up to the front stand of the chapel, he looked each man and woman seated in the eye and shook their hands. Not one person was left out.
What struck me about Jabari was at first his soft spoken humility, then his streetwise application of the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jabari was raised on the South Side of Chicago, in the notorious Oakland neighborhood, ironically the same name of the Pittsburgh neighborhood where he was now addressing an audience as the VIP. Jabari was born to a mother who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a father who was not a member, but attended weekly. His father is a former NBA player. According to Jabari, his family was there for him while growing up. With all of the negative influences around him in his home neighborhood, Jabari also found refuge and direction in the Church. His Bishop, who was Caden Judd's father, allowed him to practice basketball at the Church's facilities. Jabari felt the positive influence of his religion as he honed his skills daily at the chapel basketball court.
By the time he was in the 6th grade, Jabari was 6 feet tall. His incredible skill put him ahead of his peers. As a freshman in high school he was invited to play on the varsity team. His success continued, and by the age of 17 he was featured in Sports Illustrated as the best high school basketball player since LeBron James.
At 19, Jabari Parker was the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.
The public continues to be fascinated by his humility, his faith, and his practice of that faith. His basketball career is not more important to him than his relationship with God. "Basketball is what I do. It's not who I am". He does things like renting out an entire movie theater to treat 120 Milwaukee kids to see Black Panther, paying also for their snacks and transportation.
The audience at the fireside was captivated as he shared his feelings. He was asked about how he reacts when he sees so many around him not living right. He said he does not pay much attention to others - his battle is within himself. Metaphorically: "You eat what you eat, and I eat what I eat". He does not impose himself upon others. He said that the hardest thing about the NBA was the "outside noise". He turns off the negative then turns on the positive and focuses on it. He doesn't want to talk about and laugh at others, and he doesn't think he is "hot stuff". When asked how he grew to be humble, he said that he does not think that what he does is amazing. He does not seek attention. He treats someone who is important and someone who is not important in the same way.
Jabari believes that things are what you think they are. He feels that he and God have been able to do some things together. He does not feel that he is perfect, and he tries to give people the benefit of the doubt. He believes that he is no more and no less than anyone else. He lives the principle of the parable of the rich young ruler, who was asked to give up everything he had for the Lord. A painting of this parable hangs in his home.
He believes in keeping the Sabbath day holy, and chooses to stay in his home on Sunday when he is not at mandatory basketball practice. His coach gears practice around his Church schedule so that he may worship. He has torn his anterior cruciate ligament twice in the NBA, and when asked what he did to get through the normally career ending injuries, it was prayer that helped his patience. Having faith got him through. He explained that prayer is very important, and puts the things inside of us into words. If he was to meet God, he would ask him "How am I doing so far?" He emphasized that mistakes are allowable through God.
When asked how he feels about education and more particularly homework for kids, he said "Get it done, so you can go play!". A part of Jabari's name is after Muhammad Ali. His middle name is Ali, and Jabari lives by the saying coined by Ali: "Service to to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth".
He believes we need to give ourselves praise, and love and please ourselves. "The way we think can really change things". If Jabari were to give any advice it would be to "Keep doin' you!". The news media may twist his words, but he remembers who he is.
Jabari Parker's simple, straightforward, and often profound answers inspired all. Basketball has not been much of an interest in my world in the last decade or two. The Pittsburgh sports of hockey, baseball, and football have dominated what little time and interest I have in the subject. After hearing Jabari's stories you can bet I will be tuned in to see this fascinating talent on the basketball court. But it won't be his moves that inspire me. It will be knowing what I now know about him - that God is the head coach of his life, and that if he were to see me again, he would treat me the same as he does an important sports news anchor or the queen of a nation. That's just Jabari - focused on what matters most: His relationship with God, and the kind treatment of others. Fan for life!
