The Genesis of a Hero

I have just finished reading Tim Tebow’s book entitled “Through My Eyes.” I would like to share my comments about this Hero:

He relates the circumstances of his birth. His parents were told that he should be aborted because of his pre-birth condition.

He related how he and his brothers often played in the mud on the small farm his parents owned. He called this opportunity being made “Farm Tough.”

He traveled with his Dad to the Philippines at the age of fifteen. He related how he shared the Gospel message to the students in the Philippines. He always started his presentation with the fact that he also was born in their country.

During his high school years he discussed a Coach that had three words posted on the Locker Room Wall:

Character

Strength

Honor

He had many role models but he specifically mentioned the 1982 Heisman Winner, Herschel Walker who was a Running Back from Georgia. Another role model was Danny Wuerffel, who earned the Heisman in 1996 while playing at Florida as a Quarterback.

On of his childhood friends, Kevin Albers had a Dad named Gary who trained to be a U. S. Navy Seal. It was Gary that developed an exercise routine for Tim.

While he was at Florida he made hospital visits to encourage patients. Tim related that these visits also did a lot to encourage him.

Prior to the 2007 Heisman Trophy presentation a former recipient, Danny Wuerffel took him into a back room and prayed with him. Tim later wrote that he appreciated that moment because Danny had taken an interest in him when he (Tim) was in high school.

One of many special moments that Tim shared in his book is when a family wrote him a letter to let him know that their son had accepted Christ after watching the Tim Tebow Heisman acceptance speech.

We have all read about Tim’s work in an orphanage in the Philippines, however he points out that all of us are indeed orphans who have been adopted into the family of God.

Tim’s speech in 2008 after the loss to “Ole Miss” is well known. He concluded that speech with two words – “God bless.”

The scripture text for Chapter 18, entitled “A Promise Fulfilled” is John 3:16. This Chapter is devoted to the conclusion of the 2008 Football Season. He related that for the Southeastern Conference Championship (SEC) game he continued to wear the Philippians 4:13 eye black. The Gators put that game away with a 24-14 win. The next game was the National Championship Game that he wore the John 3:16 eye black. I was impressed to read about Tim’s impromptu Bible Study just hours prior to the National Championship Game. After the study he made this statement, which I quote: “Guys, we are going to win the National Championship tonight. And when we do, we are going to give so much honor and glory to Jesus Christ. It is going to be awesome.”

He concluded his College Football Career he stated: “…..I did the best I could, trying to always finish strong.” As I read this I could not help but recall the “Farm Strong” attitude he developed in his younger years.

He then relates his situation concerning being a Denver Bronco. Of special importance to me was his story about speaking at a church in Memphis, TN on Mother’s Day. After sharing his story a young woman waited to talk to him. She is quoted here: “I have an abortion scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 A.M.,” she cried, “and now I will not go through with it.”

As I read this book over the period of about six hours on two days I was impressed with how Tim Tebow shared his story and also his Faith. How he worked to achieve his fame. How His Family and Faith worked to make him the person he now is.

Tim dedicated this book:  "To all those who have been told that they couldn't achieve their dreams...."

I would humbly suggest that this book, “Through My Eyes” be required reading by every fourteen or fifteen year old on this Earth. It is a powerful book, which relates an impressive story of how success can be achieved.

Faith, Family, Academics and Football!!!!