Melvin Adams Chapel – February 25, 2023
By Madelynn Bryan
Madelynn Bryan is a sophomore at Christian Unified High school and is an editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper. She enjoys writing and takes an interest in political science. She is very excited to be writing for the school’s newspaper and uses it as an opportunity to spread the word of God.
Melvin Adams delivered a motivational and humor infused message to the students at Christian Unified using his life experiences and knowledge of the Bible. His biggest goal when speaking to his audiences is to inspire others to achieve their dreams.
Melvin was a professional basketball competitor and member of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. He graduated from San Jose Christian college, where he was a two-time NCAA all American basketball player. He remains their leading scorer and assist leader. Soon after, he had the opportunity to play professionally, and he joined the Harlem Globetrotters. Melvin retired from playing on the team on March 17, 2000, due to his calling from God to reach out and inspire youth in the name of Christ. Melvin is currently a communicator and entertainer. His energetic and engaging presentation style make him a popular and memorable speaker.
Melvin began his message with a story from when he was in elementary school. He talked about when he had to get the paddle or “pops” at school as a punishment. One boy told him to “just suck it up” and go into the swing because the less space you put between you and the paddle, the less momentum the paddle will gain and the less it would hurt. Melvin ties this to the beginning of his message by claiming, “There are many people in life, where when things get hard, they run.” They run because they are afraid to be hit but in reality, the thing will just catch up to them and hit them harder. It is better to dive right in because the sooner you confront your fears and conflicts, the softer the hit will be in the end.
He adds to this message by going into the story of the Woman at the Well from John 4. Melvin shared that “Jesus could have went anywhere but he chose that particular town where the people didn’t like Jews and Jews and Samaritans didn’t even talk… yet here He is with this woman drinking the same water.”Jesus chose this woman, just like he chooses to be invested in our life. She had committed adultery and was shunned by society, though, “Jesus was more concerned about her character” rather than with what others thought of her. “Jesus knows what is really going on in your life,” says Melvin. He addressed specific struggles that might be relevant to some of us such as “[feeling] alone even though you are surrounded by 700 kids”and asked “When you look in the mirror, do you love what you see?” in order to remind students that Jesus created each of us. He is the only one who truly knows you. He can elevate you and help you to overcome struggles in life. Melvin told the students to face their fears, and to just “go for it.” You are already beautiful in the eyes of Jesus, and through Him, you can do anything.
As students, you can apply this to your life by keeping God’s word in mind. James 1:22 says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.”
