Playing with Purpose: Inside The Lives Of Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, And Today's Top Athletes

Playing with Purpose

by Mike Yorkey

They're playing with purpose at the highest level of sport. Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, Luke Ridnour, Clayton Kershaw, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Mariano Rivera and more. Sprots fans know the athletic skills of this "hall of fame" of talented performers. But Playing with Purpose will introduce you to the fascinating back story of each player, as well- the obstacles they overcame to reach the highest level of professional ball, the challenged they face while serving upstanding role models, and the faith in God that provides the foundation for everything they do.

Genres: Sports

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book PLAYING with PURPOSE. The book was about Christian athletes showing their faith while playing sports. This book included Tim Tebow, Jeremy Lin, Luke Rindour, Clayton Kershaw, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Mariano Rivera. In each of the athlete’s stories, they shared their home life along with their spiritual walk with God. Without their dedication and faithfulness to God, the athletes wouldn’t be as successful as they have been playing sports. My favorite character was Albert Pujols. He was addicted to drugs, and he frequented the bar. I believe God helped Albert through this tough time of his life. For some time, he was suspended from the MLB. After he turned his life over to God, he went back to playing baseball. When he returned to the MLB, when the team won a game, his teammates would spray beer on each other. As a result of his former addiction, I thought it was admirable how his teammates understood that he didn’t want beer to touch his skin again. It’s awesome how God can turn a drug addict around and use their life as a positive inspiration to others. Another great story was about Mariano Rivera, he was one of a few that could pitch a baseball at over 100 mph. As God added 10 mph to his original baseball throw, Mariano was able to share his story about Christ with others. I would rate this book a 10 out of 10, because I could really connect with the athlete’s stories.

[Jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sixth and final review on the book is on the whole book in general. One of the themes i found, and mainly talked about, was trust in the Lord. One of the main themes i think i missed until the end of the book was in the title of the book. Playing with a purpose. All of these athletes might not have known their purpose or why they were doing what they were doing, but God did. If they just trusted in Him he would lead them and show them their purpose. They all entrusted God with their lives and how they played, and God is showing/showed them how to act and what to do. God gives them purpose to send a message to everybody watching on live tv. To use their role model platform to give glory to God and show others His word. He has a purpose for all of us, but it takes effort from us to be shown or guided to your purpose.

[Caleb Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great read by Mike Yorkey. I have read a few books from him in the past and have really enjoyed them. Mike takes these athletes who are known nationwide and looks at another part of their life that the media might not spotlight on. These athletes are playing to be the light of Christ on and off the court/field. One of the reasons I liked this book so much is because Tim Tebow was a big part of the book. I have heard and read about Tim’s story already but it was a good reminder of how I need to keep myself at higher standards and push myself at everything I do. I also enjoyed reading the story on Tim because he is coming back to the NFL this year to play for the Jets. The next person I will talk about from this book is Jeremy Lin (Linsanity). When Carmelo Anthony was out a big part of the season Jeremy Lin stepped in the role on the New York Knicks, and did a fantastic job. He surprised everyone with his athletic ability. What most people didn’t know about Jeremy was that he was a Christian. This is the second Playing with Purpose book I have read this year and I plan on reading more. I really like how the books relate to athletes lives and bring out a whole other perspective to professional athletes. I strongly recommend The Playing with Purpose series to anyone; it can help grow your walk while reading about sorts at the same time.

[Caleb Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book about Christian athletes! Very interesting stories like when Jeremy Lin would drink tons of milk when he was young thinking he would grow.

[Ross Heinricy]

this was a very inspiring book and I enjoyed it for what it was: testimonials of professional athletes. Some testimonies (Tim Tebow, Mariano Rivera, Albert Pujols) were stronger than others but they all were a blessing to read. This book is written on a teen to young adult level and so the simplicity in which it was written was bit underwhelming.
I am requiring my four children that are still at home to read it this year. Every athlete showed a strong faith and a strong work ethic to achieve maximum results in every area in life, and for that reason it is worth a read