The Kanye Effect: Former NBA player Lamar Odom says he ‘got saved’ this weekend
Article By Rebecca Johnson // EEW Magazine // Christianity
(EEW Magazine Online) Former NBA star Lamar Odom, who calls himself “a walking miracle” after being found unconscious with a cocktail of drugs in his system in a Nevada brothel in 2015, just told the world he gave his life to Christ.
The 39-year-old, who publicly battled drug, alcohol, and sex addiction, made the announcement on social media.
“Nowadays I’m doing the best I can in walking with the Lord,” wrote Odom, who dedicated his heart to Jesus at The Word Church in Cleveland, OH, which, according to the ministry’s website, has grown from 200 members to more than 30,000 since being founded in 2000.
In posted images, Odom, adorned in an orange sweatshirt, is seen at the mega ministry, standing with his arms raised as Dr. R.A. Vernon, senior pastor of the church, leads him in prayer.
Credit: Instagram
Odom, author of Darkness to Light: A Memoir, says surrendering his life to the Lord is his way of thanking God for his miraculous escape from death after living recklessly for so long.
“I had to show Jesus my appreciation for keeping me alive!” said the championship-winning, former Los Angeles Lakers baller.
In 2015, Odom was hospitalized and in a coma after he was discovered unconscious following an accidental drug overdose. At the time, he was expected to die. However, after three days, Odom woke up unable to speak. He had survived 12 strokes and six heart attacks, and he suffered internal injuries, including kidney failure and neurological damage.
Lamar Odom spent three days in a coma after a dangerous drug bender nearly ended his life (Credit: E Entertainment)
In a previous interview with the television show, “The Doctors,” Odom admitted that drugs had ruined his career, and he was not proud of the route he once chose.
Dr. R.A. Vernon, senior pastor of The Word Church in Cleveland, OH, led Lamar Odom to Jesus Christ (Courtesy of The Word Church)
“I feel ashamed about some of the choices I made,” he said in the televised interview. “They were despicable. I was basically committing suicide.”
But, by the grace of God, all that is behind him now, and he is making a fresh start.
Odom is the latest celebrity to publicly declare faith in Jesus Christ, something his friend, rapper Kanye West, has done.
West, 42, who testifies to being “radically saved,” has released his first full gospel album, Jesus Is King, and has vowed to never do secular music again going forward. Though some have expressed skepticism about West’s transformation, his pastor has vouched for the authenticity of West’s commitment to Christ.
While it is unclear whether Odom joined Dr. Vernon’s church, it is clear that he has had a spiritual awakening and wants to seriously give Christ as try.
