Book: Shaken
Book Synopsis – Whether you’re celebrating an incredible victory or facing life’s biggest disappointment, your response will reveal who you really are.
In this powerful book designed specifically for young Christians, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow provides an intimate look into how he’s been able to face professional triumphs and defeats and still emerge with his faith and identity intact.
In Shaken: The Young Reader’s Edition, Tebow shares his insight for shaping an identity based not on your highs and lows, but on God. He examines the courageous lives of Biblical figures and the many inspirational people he’s met to show you how to:
Overcome your fears and accept God’s perfect, unconditional love
Transform your insecurities into opportunities for growth
Embrace your unique, God-given talents to make a difference in your world
With
Book Review – The book is similar in tonality to Tim Tebow’s more recent book “This Is The Day” but lacking the same sort of effectiveness in his message. It’s either because I’m familiar with his writing style already or that this book lacked something. Thinking about it more, I think it lacked the transparency in emotions than his other book. It could be that he’s just gotten better as a writer and grew in maturity as well so reading this after the most recent book could be affecting how I’ve read this book.
Regardless, in Tim Tebow style, he’s always very encouraging and constantly points you back to Christ. It feels a bit more preachy than his other book
Rating (1-10) – 6
Notes:
Chapter 1 – Cut
Tim tells his story of getting cut from the New England Patriots. It was his third time getting cut from a team and he was completely devastated. While everyone else’s life was moving forward, he felt like his was shattered.
Chapter 2 – Who Am I?
Instead of turning inward, Tim casts his gaze on Jesus and reminds himself of whose he is. He is a son of the living God. That God loved him so much that he died on the cross for him. The high and lows of life do not define us but our identity in Christ is what our foundation is built off of.
Mark Stuart, the lead singer of Audio Adrenaline had an incredible singing career but eventually lost his ability to sing because of an incurable throat condition. Eventually, Mark would start a non-profit organization called Hands and Feet where they created orphanages in Haiti. He hasn’t looked back and believed he lost his voice so he could gain a voice for the children in Haiti.
*I happened to meet Mark at a charity event that my friend invited me too. I also have friends that started an orphanage in Haiti.
Chapter 3 – Facing the Giants
“Faith is not being consumed with the emotions that come with the highs and lows while being able to grow in the process. Though you might feel afraid, as, or disappointed, faith is not being shaken at your core but moving through your struggle one step at a time.”
“But the more you make the choice to live above your feelings, to trust God instead of what you may feel like doing, the stronger your faith becomes.”
“Choose faith. Choose to trust God more than what you feel. Choose to believe in Him whether or not you feel like it. Like Chelsie, doing this especially when facing the giants in life is what can turn you into a mighty warrior.”
“Don’t give up. Be encouraged. Life your spirts. Land do this on purpose. With intention. Literally, take courage. Choose it. When you fee l tired, discouraged, disappointed, or run down, make the choice to take heart.”
Take courage when we don’t feel like it.
Chapter 4 – The Voices of Negativity
You’ll encounter times when the negativity from others and even yourself become really loud. During those times you have to remind yourself whose you are.
Chapter 5 – God’s Got It
Tim tells his story about getting a chance to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. He felt it was the perfect opportunity and God was “orchestrating” things for him to get the position. Unfortunately, at last minute things fell apart and he was let go from the third NFL team.
“God will never waste pain that’s offered to Him.”
“If you’ve lost something precious to you — a dream, a marriage, a child — I can’t tell you exactly the purpose or plan, or what the future holds, but I will say that He is loving, He is sovereign, and that although your heart may be broken in a million pieces, He will never leave or forsake you. and He can and will use even the bad to orchestrate good.”
Chapter 6 – The Others
Our focus should be taken off of ourselves and onto others.
Having a circle of friends that truly love you, can confide in, turn to in tough times, and get advice are essential in living well. Not only should we lean into friends like this but we should also be the type of friend where they can lean into you.
Chapter 7 – Who Said Normal Is the Goal?
God made us perfectly. Even when we think He messed up on us, he hasn’t. He has a plan for our lives, “mistakes” and all.
Tim encourages his readers to stop comparing and know that God has a unique plan for our lives.
God gives us our natural abilities. Don’t be prideful about the gifts you have been given. It’s easy to become prideful if you’re talented. Remind yourself who gave them to you. Also, don’t let your accolades define you. The only thing that should define a person is knowing whose they are. You’re a child of God.
Chapter 8 – Stand Up
Stand up for people. If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. Be willing to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves. Be part of the solution. Find a need a fill it.
Chapter 9 – The Power of Doing Something
No thing is too small. Go out there and do something. Find a need and fill it. You don’t have to wait to win the lottery and do something huge. Do what you can with what you have.
Chapter 10 – What Matters Most
What legacy are you leaving that will continue to impact eternity? Our life here is fleeting. All the accolades and things we do will pass away. We should live life with eternity in mind.
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