Jeremy Lin is a household name and international superstar when it comes to basketball, yet he still insists that he is just like everyone else. Lin’s trajectory shifted as he left the Los Angeles Lakers to play for the Charlotte Hornets, but his goal remains the same as ever; “to glorify Christ.”
“Many people see me as much more than a basketball player and I hope I can use this platform to glorify Christ as well as break down stereotypes of Asians,” said 27-year-old Lin.
During his transition from West Coast to East, Lin trusted God in the highs and the lows of his professional NBA career. The 6’3” point guard admitted that he “felt pretty burnt out” after the past season with the Lakers. Lin put in the effort “to play well, play the right way, and maintain the right perspective” yet saw “very little” results.
Lin went on a 3.5 week hiatus before beginning his off-season training. He went on to say that regardless of his “celebrity” status as an athlete, he goes through “the same emotions as any other human.”
“I'm no different than you guys. I get discouraged, I get worn down, I get burnt out. I have doubts, thoughts of giving up, and of not being good enough. But the beautiful part is that God comes through in His unique and perfect way every time!” wrote Lin on his official website.
Despite his ups and downs, Lin is back in the game and is determined to “focus on God’s faithfulness, His perfect plan, and His unfailing love.” He posted about his training session with AND1 Mixtape Tour’s Grayson Boucher on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Boucher, who is also a Christian called Lin a “humble and hungry dude.”
“Life isn't about maintaining your highs and eliminating your lows (because obstacles will inevitably come),” explained Lin. “Life is about cherishing your relationship with Christ and loving others through the highs and lows of life. I may not know where I'm going next, but I trust Who I’m following!!”
Lin recently shared his testimony to over 5,000 students in China during his JLIN Asia Tour. He regularly sends out prayer requests to fans in mass emails. Lin, who recently turned 27 on Sunday, Aug. 23 is a role model who does not shy away from being transparent about his successes and failures.
