NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin is recalling his struggles with the Los Angeles Lakers in his last NBA season in a two-minute inspirational video he posted on YouTube.
In the video, Lin describes how he is "redefining success" after a tough season with the Lakers. The 26-year-old Christian athlete wasn't quite able to live up to the reputation he established during his Linsanity days with the New York Knicks when he transferred to the Houston Rockets and then to the Los Angeles Lakers.
In his last NBA season, Lin wasn't able to do much to prevent the Lakers from falling to their worst franchise record of 61 losses.
Lin narrated part of his life's story in the video, which starts with sombre music and pictures of the San Francisco Bay Area.
"This is my story: dreams," Lin said. "It's easy to dream big. There's the initial excitement, raw passion, high hopes, and you put in everything you have to pursue your dream. But inevitably, the hits will come."
Lin said despite his difficulties on the court, he remains committed to improving his game and honouring God in everything he does.
"You get knocked down, you get back up. You get knocked down again, you get back up, but the criticism keeps coming. The hard work doesn't seem to be paying off."
Lin said during the last NBA season his disappointment led to discouragement and, worse, self doubt. He began to entertain all the criticisms hurled his way, and he thought, "Maybe they're right. Maybe I'll never be who I thought I would be."
But that is not the Christian approach to life, he realised later. So instead of dwelling on his difficulties, he vowed to work harder than ever before. He committed to work on his weaknesses and refine his strengths as he turned to God to give "everything I have."
"I'll trust God, trust His Word, trust His promises, and His love," Lin said. "Trust Him to do what only He can do, and when it's all said and done, I want to say, 'I did everything in my power to become who God wants me to be.'"
He then shared the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 15:58, which reads: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain."
