“It’s easy to die for Christ. (My Insert: And, as my friend Duffy Robbins adds, You can only do that once, and it usually occurs right before the end of your life.) It’s hard to live for Him. Dying takes only an hour or two, but to live for Christ means to die daily. Only during the few years of this life are we given the privilege of serving each other and Christ … therefore we must not waste the opportunity.” – Sadhu Sundar Singh
Vertical Leap
In his book Vertical Leap, legendary New York City basketball player Bill Rieser takes us on the journey of his life thus far. Growing up in a single-parent home in Brooklyn under a level of prejudice due to his mixed ethnicity, Rieser found himself disillusioned by the experiences of his childhood which left him confused and searching for his identity. The one thing that he discovered he was good at, and which he received recognition from and affirmation for, was basketball. He quickly gravitated to the legendary NYC playgrounds where he developed his game. Eventually his skills on the court led him to success in the high school gym, and he was recruited to play college ball, and had high hopes of a career in the NBA.
Due to injuries and other issues, however, his college career turned out to be a lot less than he had hoped for, and after only a brief shot at trying to keep his dream alive after college, Bill’s dream of playing professional basketball was soon over. His search for identity, however, was not. Married with a young family, he sought significance in his work, in extramarital relationships, in drugs and alcohol, and in gambling, all of which left him more and more empty.
Then, everything came to a head. His wife discovered Bill’s infidelity, and he found himself at a crossroads. Through the series of events that followed, he ended up surrendering his life to Christ, reconciling with his wife, and discovering the purpose of his life, which he continues to pursue to this day.
As Rieser tells his story in the book, he points to the many lessons he has learned along the way, and challenges readers to consider their own lives, and what God offers them in a personal relationship with Christ. He discusses truths of the Christian faith and shows how basic Christian practices can empower us to live life to the fullest.
Rieser’s story was captivating, and the book was an easy read. It was encouraging and inspiring, and I would recommend it as a gift to someone who is seeking meaning and significance in life – particularly if they have an affinity for sports, specifically basketball. It would also be good for people who are on the treadmill of seeking their identity in their work or through the things Rieser was dealing with (substance abuse, affairs, gambling). A men’s group might also enjoy reading it through together.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.
Love Long Island 2014: Day 2
On Tuesday we took our team from Shelter Rock Student Ministries and went to the Bellmont Racetrack to partner with the Racetrack Chaplaincy to host a carnival and dinner for the racetrack workers. We had a great time running the games, handing out prizes, and serving dinner to the 60+ people who show up. We also had the chance to engage some of them in conversations about faith. Bringing a smile to the faces of these hard-working folks – most of whom are separated from their families – through simple kindness in the name of Jesus was a tremendous joy and privilege.
Read about Day 1 here.
Love Long Island 2014: Day 1
Yesterday we took a team of 21 from Shelter Rock Student Ministries and went to work with Lighthouse Mission. After working in the warehouse, sorting clothes and food, and loading 2 food trucks, our team split into two groups and went out to serve those in need. One group with to Lake Ronkonkoma, and the other team went to Coram. We worked in the freezing cold for over an hour, but that was nothing in comparison to the people who had walked in this weather, and waited in line long before we arrived, just to get some food and maybe find some clothes that fit them. We met people who are just trying to keep their homes heated, and those who have no homes at all. We met people who live in the woods, people who did not have anything on their feet but sandals and socks … It was very humbling. In addition to meeting physical needs, several of us were able to pray with people as they waited in line.
Read about Day 2 here.
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