Shaken

Tebow recalls a competitive basketball game at summer camp as a teen. He played along with his brothers, campmates, and camp counselors. While the counselors were supposed to be role models for the kids, they often fouled and played too aggressively. Tebow “took a stand” for his brother and asked the counselors to not play so harshly (149). Tebow claims that life presents many situations, big and small, which challenge us to “stand up” to injustice. Even small acts of kindness and intervention can make a significant difference to someone suffering. For instance, confronting a bully with a simple request or comment to stand up for their victim.

The author reflects on how he expressed himself by putting scripture verses, such as John 3:16, on his eye black while he played football. This practice drew some attention from viewers, who looked up the meaning of the verses. The author felt that even though this was a small and easy gesture, he had made a positive impact. Similarly, Tebow would often take a knee and bow on the field to show humility and credit God with his success, another gesture that he felt many viewers appreciated.

The author believes that everyone is flawed and has sinned and that Jesus showed his forgiveness and mercy for these sins by being crucified. He recalls visiting a prison in the Philippines with his brother to preach to the prisoners. There, he was moved by his brother’s humility in referring to his own sins even while surrounded by violent criminals. This prompted Tebow to reflect on how everyone has made mistakes and needs forgiveness.

While modern culture provides many avenues for people to create an idealized image of themselves, Tebow encourages the reader to look beyond the superficial and resist idolizing others. Instead, everyone should humbly acknowledge that they are not perfect and need God’s help. He concludes his passage by explaining that imperfections should not stop us from taking a stand and helping others.

Tebow believes that God has ways of communicating with people, such as helping them feel drawn to certain causes, or through wise advice from friends. However, he has never experienced God speaking in a clear or “audible” way; instead, he prays and reflects on his decisions. While listening for God’s will is not always easy, Tebow coaches the reader to not lose themselves in mindless distractions like TV, but instead proactively do good so they can ready themselves to understand God’s intentions for them.

Tebow reminisces about visiting a prison in Florida to preach to inmates. While there, Tebow was warned about coming into close contact with the inmates, most of whom were imprisoned for violent crimes. Tebow went to death row, where inmates were imprisoned for murder and awaited execution. Some of the men were uninterested in learning about Christianity, while others accepted a Bible. The author then visited men who were on suicide watch, one of whom was happy to see Tebow. He revealed that he had prayed the night before and felt that Tebow’s arrival was an answer to his prayer. He prayed with Tebow, who was moved by his openness and desire to change.

The author urges the reader that “the time is now” for them to help someone else (175). He claims that many people want to do something for others but feel that their contribution would be insignificant. Tebow assures the reader that any small act of kindness is worth it. He shares a memory about visiting a child with cancer and enjoying a conversation with him. This simple act cheered up the child, and Tebow, too. The author reveals that he prioritizes his W15H foundation because he knows that his philanthropic work is more important to God than his career. Tebow shares that the people he is most inspired by are those who continue to help others while facing challenges themselves. He reiterates that even small acts matter and encourages the reader to consider how God could positively use their service.

The author reflects on being on a losing streak with his team, the Denver Broncos.

To calm himself, Tebow thought about the story of David, and how although his life was “shaken” by the king’s persecution, he continued to rely on God (188). Feeling encouraged by this story, Tebow went on to enjoy a surprising win with his team. While Tebow has fond memories of these victories, he hopes that he is remembered for his actions off the field rather than his athletic accomplishments.

He considers what his legacy will be and encourages the reader to reflect on what is most important in their lives: professional achievements and material things, or spending time with loved ones and doing good work. Tebow argues that considering one’s mortality can help put life in perspective and can help readers remember to do meaningful things for others.

The author reflects on the story of Jesus’s life and encourages the reader to follow Jesus’s teachings. He asks the reader to define themselves as a “child of God” rather than by their past or their challenges and assures the reader that their journey of faith will be worthwhile.