This is the Day

Title: This is the Day
Author: Tim Tebow (with AJ Gregory)
Series: N/A
Genre: Sports Non-Fiction / Christian Living
Publishing Date: September 25, 2018

About the Book:

The New York Times best-selling sports star and media icon motivates readers to stop postponing dreams and start making them happen now because–this is the day.

Beyond Tim Tebow’s exploits as a Heisman-winning football player, he is widely known and respected for his exemplary character and personal excellence, which have made him a role model for millions. When Tim interacts with the public, he often encounters people who feel “stuck”–unable to take action on matters ranging from daily life to pursuing lifelong dreams. In response, Tim often identifies a crippling fear or lack of courage, to which he advises: “now is the time to take some risks, to quiet the voices of defeat, to step forward and make a mark, because this is the day.” In this inspiring, motivational book, readers will receive the advice and encouragement to daily move from “pause” to “play” in finding deeper meaning and success. Tim illustrates the book’s themes with stories from his personal life that will delight all readers, including his an update on his dream pursuit of a baseball career.

About the Author:

Tim Tebow is one of the most accomplished players in college football history. A two-time winner of the NCAA National Football Championship with the University of Florida, Tim is also the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He then went on to become a two-time winner of the Maxwell Award for the nation’s top football player, while also winning the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s best college quarterback and the James E. Sullivan Award for the most outstanding amateur athlete in any sport. He is the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation which was started to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in the darkest hour of need, and in April 2010, Tim was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He lives in Colorado.

My Review:

First of all, I am a football fan. I was sad to see Tebow leave the football world. (I have to admit I’m still not over it). Despite the fact that I’m a colts fan, I have always had a lot of respect for Tebow. What stood out to me was his boldness in proclaiming Christ wherever he went. His 2010 commercial that took a stand for pro-life showed that he wasn’t afraid to stand out and stand up for Christ and the Gospel. There needs to be more of that in the world.

One thing I loved in reading the book is Tim’s vigilance wherever he goes in seeking out people he can help in some way and share Christ with. He makes it a point to see the hurting and ask “how can I pray for you?” In a world where most people are looking down at their cell phones, Tim encourages people to look up, and be a help in a hurting world. It’s both convicting and encouraging.

What struck me the most in this book was when Tim talked about his visits to prison to talk to and witness to inmates. He admits himself that when he looks at the men through his own eyes, he often cringes, but when he looks at them through God’s eyes it changes his perspective. It’s easy for us to see ourselves as better than criminals, but God’s Word reveals to us that we all fall short and are in need of a savior. Instead of wishing death on the inmates, we should be praying for changed hearts.

While I appreciate Tim’s ability to speak motivationally, I have to admit that there were certain parts of the book that came off “health and wealth” but other places refuted that as well. When talking about sports, he focuses on God helping him to succeed and being thankful for that. What felt off to me about it though was that he shared his mindset being grateful for success instead of the success giving him a platform to share Christ which would be more pleasing to God. God doesn’t care if you win a game, but he cares if you are sharing Him. Tim has shown in his life that he shares Christ wherever he goes and that is one of the reasons I really like him, but I didn’t agree with some of his wording and mindset in talking about success.

I really enjoyed this book (even though I admit he’d go back to football). It’s an awesome thing to see someone in his position loudly proclaiming Christ. You don’t have to look hard at other sports figures today to see how much he stands out and has taken a stance for his faith. It should inspire others to share Christ in their workplace and wherever else they end up as well. This is a great book to call us to evangelize in a hurting world. I definitely recommend it as worth the read.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah publishers. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

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