A character can be developed and massaged over time… True? True. And it is also safe to say that a character can ever evolve and mature into that ideal state of being. What is truly unbelievable is when that character is pushed into greatness by anything but great circumstances.

Photo by Eric Kilby. (CC)

Leon Powe, the second-year reserve for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, has beat tremendous odds to now be in a place of potential super stardom and notoriety (And yes, I know you’re wondering… off-the-bench players are sometimes called “reserves”. Their job is to come off the bench and give their team a boost). As the oldest child, Powe possessed a superstar character earlier on after his father (his name sake) walked out on the family.

His life’s story consumed my heart as I listened and read about it… A life of homelessness, hunger, and helplessness. After an accidental fire-which destroyed everything-the family was left in dire straits… so much so that Powe’s mother found herself in legal troubles for her actions in trying to care for her family. In an interview, Powe says he saw his mom sacrifice eating so he and the other children could eat. With that same heart, he would give up meals, too. At 40, Powe’s mother died from a heart attack. He believed she worked herself to death for them. Her death forced the children to be placed into foster homes and Powe wasn’t satisfied with the state of things at all.

After much mentoring, Powe’s superstar character stood up in him and he used his basketball talent to finally reach the big times (NBA, of course). He ensured that his first priority was to get his sisters and brothers back together… and that’s what he did. With all that he has endured in his life, he has maintained his hope.

The Celtics and the LA Lakers continue their championship run in the 2008 NBA Finals… I’m sure Powe will be that added effort that the Celtics will need. Be sure to share Powe’s story with your sports enthusiast (During a commercial, please! LOL!)!