Magic and Cookie Johnson Share Their Faith, Life Lessons at Christian Lipscomb University
Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Cookie, shared their faith and advice on education and business with Lipscomb University students on Monday, where the former encouraged the millennials to not waste their education.
The Johnsons were guest speakers at the Nashville, Tennessee-based university where they spoke about the important life lessons they've learned during the "Nashville: Prosperity for All Corners of the City" event.
There, Magic spoke about his love for the city that he's donated millions to.
"It's a great city," said Johnson, according to local station News Channel 5. "Anytime you come to Nashville, people welcome you with open arms. We've been so blessed. God has used us in so many ways. I think that is why we are excited about being here."
Along with being a Hall of Fame NBA star, Johnson is a businessman who now serves as president to the Los Angeles Lakers he once played for.
During his talk, Johnson encouraged students at the university to take advantage of the education opportunities they've been given.
"I grew up poor, but I never had poor dreams," he said. "Never let anybody define who you will be, and it's very important," Johnson said. "Whatever it is you want to become — a mayor, lawyer, doctor, teacher, professor, whatever that it is — you have to see yourself there and then make sure when you're in school, you take advantage of your education."
Before the Johnsons visited the Christian college, Lipscomb Vice President for development and external affairs, John Lowry, said the couple's presence would be a benefit to the city of Nashville.
"Most know of Magic and Cookie from his career in the NBA, but there is a powerful narrative of their lives as community builders since then that isn't as widely known, one that aligns closely with our institution as a place of faith, redemption, innovative solutions and service to others," Lowry said. "Nashville will benefit from hearing this story, and Lipscomb is privileged to bring it to the city. We believe their story can be a catalyst for new thinking that will result in improved quality of life in every corner of Nashville as they have done in other cities."
