When we came back to the United States, I became a fan of the NBA. Well, of the San Antonio Spurs. It was hard not to, living near San Antonio. Over time, I developed a deep dislike for the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban. He’s loud. He’s profane. He’s a poor sport. I could go on and on.

The other day I was about to post on the Internet about what a jerk I think he is. That’s when I realized something else about him.

He’s made in the image of God. He’s someone for whom Jesus died.

I tend to see celebrities as if they were characters in a movie, fictional entities. They don’t have families. They don’t have feelings. They only exist for me to cheer and boo. I don’t see them as real people.

God does. Whether I do or not, God does. Celebrities are people, too. More than that, celebrities need God as much as anyone else does.

Mr. Cuban, I hope that you come to know God. If you already know him, I pray that you will allow him to guide and affect your life. My Savior died for you, just as he did for me. And I am in need of his grace, just as much as you are. I hope that I can always remember these things. Even when I get caught up in the passion of sports.