"STAND FOR SOMETHING"
It is freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be
burdened again by a yoke of slavery
—Galatians 5:1

[Magazine photocopy of a pair of muscular legs.]
BODY SHOT
SERGE IBAKA
21. POWER FORWARD,
OKLAHOMA CITY
THUNDER

ON GETTING A LEG UP
"Growing up in the Republic of the Congo, I had the same body as my father—natural, very athletic. When I came here, I started to lift every day. Now I have muscles. My legs help me cover both ends of the floor and defend any player in the league."

FOR MORE IBAKA PHOTOS AND EXCLUSIVE VIDEO
CHECK OUT ESPN.COM/INSIDER.

Nov 1, 2014

THE ANCIENT WORD FOR RELATIONSHIP—
RITUAL
Part 1

Ritual alone targets the increase of our awareness. Awareness of spirit as a reality is a key towards individual transformation. Often, the first transformation involves an elevation of our imagination and the quality of our thinking process. And how we interpret our own thought images into acts that contribute to our personal living patterns.

When I am regularly connected to spirit and faith in ritual relationship, the difficult and the impossible become elements that cooperate with my healthiest intentions. The difficult and seeming impossible are actually only steps, stages, and degrees to remember, reverence and practice.

The more I allow myself to be available the holiest spirit and behold the benefit of accurate balance and health, the more I bring forth my gifts and fruits of the spirit into my day-to-day life, relationships, and affairs.

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Part 2

There is no greater starting point than the point that starts within. All of us are practicing some kind of ritual in our lives: coffee or cigarette first thing in the morning; or a blunt; kissing our loved ones upon our arrival home or before we depart. So many things that we do only in public are different from what we do here when we are alone or we think no one else is around.

However, be aware and sure that there is always a higher ground waiting for us to expand, express, embrace and understand the need for specific influential patterns are a medical emergency for our souls. Our interactions on every level-perspective will improve once we begin to hug more the image in the mirror. Remember this—

—Even when we are not in front of the mirror—
WE ARE STILL
REFLECTING AN IMAGE!

I am an African Classic,
[signature]

[Magazine photocopy of a smiling lady celebrity.]
How do you define "the greatest love?"
Most of all—
how do you express it?

*By this shall all men know that you are my disciple—
that you love one another—

CHRISI

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[Magazine photocopy of a man sitting and a boy standing next to him wearing boxing gloves.]
Some stars show you the way.
Muhammad Ali and a rising star. Phoenix, Arizona.