This book review is by our HS son who is a senior and is also an athlete (albeit, soccer not basketball!). I love when there are books for our kids to read that are relatable and pertinent. This one definitely is just that! An important read by a young, talented NBA player who loves the LORD. Praise God for this man’s voice and his obedience to honoring God!
If you have a child who loves sports or a young man who isn’t the most voracious reader, check this out!
Book review
While reading, “Why I Stand”, I was able to gain insight into how Christ can use any and everyone, no matter what your situation or past may be. Jonathan Issac is a professional basketball player in the NBA who was also a top ten pick in the NBA draft. He, just like the rest of us, struggled through many sins and hardships growing up. However, he had to experience growing up without a father once his mother took him and his siblings while very young and moved the family down to Florida.
I think one of the most impactful parts of his story is that not only does it wake you up to the reality that anyone can struggle, it also shows that we all have different levels of struggle. Some good days, some bad days. Some days when we feel Christ and some days when we feel like the world is crashing down on us.
I used to believe that professional athletes had everything. They are rich, they are happy, they have fame and popularity, and they all seem to have their lives set. This autobiography goes to show that no matter who you are, the devil can and will attack you in your walk with God. He will try to appease you with everything the world has to offer, as he did with Jonathan.
My favorite part of the book is the part when Jonathan Issac takes a stand against BLM and his reasoning for doing it is amazing. He was struggling throughout the course of a few weeks with the decision of whether or not to stand or kneel with the rest of the league. As he struggled with the choice, he realized what Christ would want him to do, and that is to stand up for Christ and what Christ wants for his life. He took so much criticism for his decision, and yet above it all, he stayed true to Christ. Why? Because he realized that if everyone would attack him for his beliefs, he would fight back all the harder for what he knew to be true, and so he did.
Jonathan’s story is an inspiration to all who struggle through different issues in their walks with Christ, and his solutions to each and every problem show how deep his relationship with Christ grew to be.
