“I Don’t Know What My Future Holds, But I Know Who Holds My Future.”

One of Tim Tebow’s, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, favorite sayings and one of mine from his book, Through My Eyes.

If you ever wanted to get to know Tebow better, read this book.  It explains how he ticks, what motivates him, and his single-minded determination to follow his passion (football and specifically playing quarterback)–all with God’s help and all to His glory.

Warning to the ladies:  this book is packed full of football plays, strategy, and game-day moments that for the uninitiated can be very tedious and boring.  Luckily for me, I actually wrote a novel on a football player so I learned all about football and read tons of book on the matter so I now consider myself knowledgeable in the area.

However, it is in these football reminisces that Tebow throws in the God nuggets of wisdom that makes this book great.

For someone so young it is surprising and inspiring really how he is so grounded in life.  He knows what’s important, what’s the goal in life (living for others, fulfilling God’s purpose for you, and giving Him the glory) and he never deviates.  Based on this book, Tebow never engages in stupid teenager stuff (inspiring for those of us parents who are yet to face the infamous teenage years) and he is always pulling for his team and everyone else.

Yet he’s not perfect.  One of my favorite moments was when he is describing a game against LSU.  Apparently LSU students had gotten a hold of his phone number and were relentlessly calling him all week so after a touchdown he and his teammates celebrated and Tebow mocked them (P. 139).  I love this because it is human.  And I think that’s okay.

But I think the part of this book I will always remember is probably one I shouldn’t but I will:  Tebow’s dog, Otis.  Otis was the protector of their family and one day Tebow finds him on their farm mangled, his jaw all twisted and his legs splayed apart unnaturally. The vet informs the family that Otis was probably hit with a baseball bat.  Miraculously, Otis survives and lives a fairly normal life afterwards.

I’m sure this was probably the act of some stupid teenagers trying to pay back Tebow for whatever.  But in my view there is a special place in Hell for those who harm animals and kids and are unrepentant.  I only pray it was just an act of stupid kids and they did repent of it.

Still, as an animal lover, I get riled when people do stupid stuff like this and it cuts me to the core.

I loved this book.  Sure, I’m biased.  I’m a huge Denver and Tebow fan so that helps.  But this book is so encouraging especially to us parents who rue how this world has become when it comes to our kids.  Yet Tebow shows kids can grow up to love God, love others, love the world, and make it a better place without falling into the typical teenage trap of underage sex, underage drinking or doing drugs, immature pranks and acts (like beating up dogs for a stupid revenge or bet), or any other crowd mentality kids tend to follow.

There are many human moments in this book like where Tebow is trying to decide which college to play for and in the end when he does decide he briefly decides to change his mind and then he receives no peace from God over the decision (P. 88).

He talks about doing the right thing on P. 176 which reminds me of Paul 2 Thessalonians 3:13 “never tire of doing what is right.”

Tebow talks about how we all have a platform God has given us that we must use for His glory and how football is that for him.  How we should give everything–victories and disappointments–to God.  How God’s voice is the only voice that matters.

He’s a great example of what living a God-centered life looks like.

Great, encouraging book in these times of so much negativity.  One that will surely lift you up and remind you of the only important thing in this transient world:  God.