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Control Freak: The Least Valuable Player
A dyslexic Type-A entrepreneurial Super Bowl winner wannabe micromanager who surrendered it all to Jesus.
Life as a carefree kid ended for TJ Sharitz with a diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD. He would have to repeat third grade without his buddies. He was henceforth to be learning challenged a person viewed through his limitations.
His response was to take control of his world so that he wouldn’t be embarrassed. He would be laughed with, not laughed at. He would excel in swimming, football, track. He would be successful in business––just like his dad. God could not be trusted. Look what He’d allowed! TJ’s life was tightly controlled by him. Until one summer morning when TJ mysteriously lost his health to a strange terminal disease. Here was something he couldn’t control. Could God? Would God?
This is the story of one man’s wrestling with God over the control of his life. It’s the story of his discovery that being a control freak could mean the destruction of his family and of his ability to contribute, or even survive, in this life.
Would he wield control or yield? Control Freak is a true story based on TJ's own miracle life, marriage and journey following Jesus. Come discover for yourself God’s healing miracles and grace that are there for you as well.
Life as a carefree kid ended for TJ Sharitz with a diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD. He would have to repeat third grade without his buddies. He was henceforth to be learning challenged a person viewed through his limitations.
His response was to take control of his world so that he wouldn’t be embarrassed. He would be laughed with, not laughed at. He would excel in swimming, football, track. He would be successful in business––just like his dad. God could not be trusted. Look what He’d allowed! TJ’s life was tightly controlled by him. Until one summer morning when TJ mysteriously lost his health to a strange terminal disease. Here was something he couldn’t control. Could God? Would God?
This is the story of one man’s wrestling with God over the control of his life. It’s the story of his discovery that being a control freak could mean the destruction of his family and of his ability to contribute, or even survive, in this life.
Would he wield control or yield? Control Freak is a true story based on TJ's own miracle life, marriage and journey following Jesus. Come discover for yourself God’s healing miracles and grace that are there for you as well.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
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3 people want to read
About the author
TJ Sharitz
1 book1 followerTJ Sharitz is an inspirational Author, Speaker, Mentor, Husband, Father, Son and Brother. He also works as a paraprofessional, mentoring and supporting high school students with autism, dyslexia, social anxieties, and emotional and behavioral disorders. A long-time successful business owner in the diverse franchise advertising/marketing and broadcast production fields, he also works for various churches and video broadcasting companies as a consultant, camera operator and production specialist.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 6, 2025
Recently I was blessed to read Control Freak: The Least Valuable Player, by TJ Sharitz. While this book is definitely an enjoyable read, it’s so much more than just that. It inspires the reader to reflect and, if facing doubts as Sharitz overcame, to learn to trust God’s plan.
Sharitz is a likable narrator. He shares his challenges - from childhood to now - that had led him to seize tight control of his life and experiences. He had often felt let down to the point where he was untrusting of others and of God to act in his best interests. It seems a natural response to insist on full ownership of all his actions and circumstances.
But, what happens when circumstances are beyond his control? When a near-fatal illness has him literally helpless? When other disasters strike, and he finds himself powerless? Or when his actions have unintended but grave effects on others?
Control Freak tells truthfully of a journey to Christ. At times it is brutal in its honesty. It reveals the great power of spirit that comes from giving up all power to God. My favorite quote from Sharitz is: You have choose whether to WIELD power or YIELD power. His story offers many lessons, with the reader learning by his example.
At the end of Sharitz’s narrative, Control Freak turns its focus from the author to the reader. A section of questions prompt the reader to find common ground with TJ's experiences. I found it very helpful.
Sharitz is a likable narrator. He shares his challenges - from childhood to now - that had led him to seize tight control of his life and experiences. He had often felt let down to the point where he was untrusting of others and of God to act in his best interests. It seems a natural response to insist on full ownership of all his actions and circumstances.
But, what happens when circumstances are beyond his control? When a near-fatal illness has him literally helpless? When other disasters strike, and he finds himself powerless? Or when his actions have unintended but grave effects on others?
Control Freak tells truthfully of a journey to Christ. At times it is brutal in its honesty. It reveals the great power of spirit that comes from giving up all power to God. My favorite quote from Sharitz is: You have choose whether to WIELD power or YIELD power. His story offers many lessons, with the reader learning by his example.
At the end of Sharitz’s narrative, Control Freak turns its focus from the author to the reader. A section of questions prompt the reader to find common ground with TJ's experiences. I found it very helpful.
November 29, 2025
This book really touched our group. The storytelling is raw, honest, and deeply human. Highly recommended, Mountain View Book Club
November 29, 2025
We loved the balance of humor and vulnerability. Our discussion was lively and meaningful, Mountain View Book Club
November 29, 2025
The characters’ struggles and triumphs resonated with our readers. This is a book that stays with you Mountain View Book Club
November 29, 2025
Beautifully written, with insights that spark reflection and conversation. A hit with our club, Mountain View Book Club
December 1, 2025
This book feels cinematic we could totally picture it on screen! Mountain View Book Club
December 1, 2025
The chapters inspired members to think about their own life journeys. Highly relatable. Mountain View Book Club.
December 1, 2025
We all agreed the storytelling is vivid and memorable. A powerful read. Mountain View Book Club.
December 1, 2025
The balance of personal experience and practical insight really resonated with our readers. Mountain View Book Club.
December 1, 2025
One member suggested creating a short book trailer, we think it could reach so many more people!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews