Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes

by Sam Acho

NFL linebacker, speaker, podcaster, and humanitarian Sam Acho gives a blueprint for taking off our masks and living lives of genuine authenticity.


Most of us hide. We play small and don't live up to our full potential. Sam Acho was one of those people. As an NFL linebacker, for example, he earned his MBA but told no one because he was afraid of what people might think if they found out that he cared about things that weren't "normal" for his profession. After many years of hiding himself, the person he had become had no connection to the real Sam. Only when he lost a friend and a mentor did he realize he was doing it all wrong--just like many us do, when we try to become someone we're not. All the while, we ignore the unique gifts and talents and personality we truly possess.


But there is another way of living: Let the world see you. Your quirks, your passions, and your inner desires were not given to you by accident. And the world needs your gifts.


In Let the World See You, Sam Acho shares lessons from his own life as well as stories from others to reveal how you can overcome your fears and discover your true selves. Being the real you pays big. No one else has what you have. No one else can share what you share. Let the World See You helps crack the shell of people who are in hiding and reveals the benefits of a lifestyle lived on purpose.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Christian, Memoir, Audiobook, Personal Development, Sports

Audio CD

Published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Gina Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard him.interviewed on NPR, & it inspired me to get his book.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author for an honest review. As I began reading the book I could hear God say to me, this is the book you need to read. I know what Sam Acho is talking about because God asks me to do things that are so far out of my comfort zone but I find the courage to do them but then I hide. This book was the answer to my prayers.
Through reading Sam Ancho's story, I learned a lot about me. I have always found the courage to do what God wanted me to do it, I was struggling with the after I did it. This book gave me insight that is helping me grow. I don't believe I am the only one who God is going to bring to this book.
I knew nothing about football but I didn't have to know anything about football even though I did learn a lot about it. I could take what he learned through football and see where I could do it with my life. That is his gift from God to be able to do it.
There is a quote about making a difference in one persons life it will be worth it and I am that one person but I know this book was written with the help of God and it is here for a reason. To help others who are struggling with what God is asking them to do. It is scary for me but reading this book, I know I am not alone, am not crazy and this was an answer to my prayers. If you are reading this review maybe it is God leading you to read this book also.

[Kim Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Could re-read it again

[Corrine Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I absolutely adore the Acho brothers. I love what they stand for, I love their voices and I truly love what they do for others. This book is very inspiring which is exactly what I needed with this stressful world. Acho provides hope, motivation and perspective in this Christian influenced book. Filled with passages and stories I found this book extremely relatable. One of my all time favorites quotes was, “If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” This rocked me harder than I anticipated because I often find that finding time for Christ is hard. This too is the way the enemy interferes with our love. Definitely a book worth exploring if you need a little pick me up.

[Dave Milbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I had heard of Sam's brother from his "Uncomfortable Conversations" video series and I am pleased to report I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. While he does not show all his warts, none of us would in a Christian Living memoir that this book is. He is real and transparent, offering examples that do not jibe with the tough-guy football player many of us have in our minds. The idea of helping others while you yourself are suffering was one of good takeaways from this book.

[Karen_RunwrightReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

LET THE WORLD SEE YOU is a motivational, inspirational memoir by Christian NFL player, Sam Acho. He uses the book to relate his understanding of things that have happened in his life, big and little moments that have allowed him to embrace the purposes for which he was born, and in sharing his stories, he shares his faith in the God who created him for that plan and purpose. His experiences run the gamut from bargaining talks with billionaire NFL owners and being transparent with his star teammates to missionary work in Nigeria with his family and witnessing about his faith to patrons in restaurants. And underwriting all these recollections are Biblical passages that tie Acho’s attitudes to what he believes about God.

It is refreshing to read about some of the challenges that this man has faced and how he has learned to embrace being his authentic self as the first step in finding solutions. Many of his anecdotes are situations that anyone can relate no, whether you’re an athlete or not but he also gives insights into an NFL player’s life. I loved this book and read it in a single sitting.

Thanks @thomasnelsonbooks and @tlcbooktours for the complimentary copy.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Sam as a guest on a podcast I listen to. I’m not a big football fan, but I really enjoyed Sam’s energy, vulnerability, and message. I bought his book the same day and truly enjoyed it. His story was so open and sincere, but his love of Jesus and his sincere discipleship was inspiring. Thank you Sam for talking about the honest pain, about making mistakes, how it doesn’t always work out tidy with a bow, about not getting what you want and how at the end what really matter is to seek an intimate relationship with Jesus. To want Him. To dwell in Him.

[Ashley Treder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Shows you what power comes from our God. Also the power that comes from trusting him and being yourself. This is worth a reread!

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

NFL football player Sam Acho shares about his tendencies to be fake over the years of his life, and how God has shown him that being his real self, the person God made him to be is where the most blessing and freedom and peace is. Acho shares examples from his own life, and how God has helped him take off masks he was tempted to wear.

I am honestly not a big football fan, but the title of this book intrigued me so I bought it for our school library. We also just had a retreat for our students with a theme of taking off the masks we wear and be real, so this seemed like something that would be timely to recommend to teens who had been thinking of this topic. Acho shares honestly and engagingly and always ties things back to God and how God made us. His stories are memorable, his perspective as a Nigerian American who frequently visits Nigeria was refreshing, and the people-loving person comes through in the way he writes. You can tell if he were in the room with you personally, he'd want to meet you and know that God sees and loves the real you. I probably could've read this in one sitting, but I spread this out over a week. Great biblical reminders are included with Acho's fascinating stories of how God has been with him through highs and lows and everywhere in between and helped him take off masks he was tempted to wear. I appreciate that he doesn't pretend to have it all together or be fully arrived, but a person in process just like everyone else. Highly recommended.

Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Some sports injuries mentioned and a serious medical emergency his wife went through is mentioned but not described in much detail.

[justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike the rest of my family, my father is not religious, and I think that motivational books have sort of filled that gap for him— instead of faith, he reads books about strength and inspiration. I say all this to say that when my dad gave this book to me, I initially laughed on the inside. It's the closest I'd get to something like my dad praying for me. Surprisingly enough, this book turned out to be riddled with religious statements. I'm not sure if my dad knew this. If he did, I find the recommendation even kinder, as he was trying to tailor his own interests to me.

I'd be lying if I said my faith was anywhere near where it used to be. I've faltered in my belief, sure, but the longevity of this experience has made Christianity a piece of me that I will never be able to rid of, whether I wanted to or not. Let the World See you was the gentlest reminder of the things I once held fast to.

I'm not swayed much by motivational pep-talks, but for what it's worth, I did enjoy Sam Acho's story. It was digestible and honest. If you didn't feel like reading this, you honestly could just look at the title and go. Much of the book is Acho explaining how this one piece of advice worked out several times in his life. Almost as if it's an experiment and he's proving himself to the reader.

Still, while I was reading this book, I had an interview for one of my top schools and the advice came to my mind. Be myself. It actually worked out. So, I guess I did learn from it.

Thanks, Dad.

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful and 100% relatable no matter who you are. Sam gives you an in depth look into his life and relationships. His story is full of courageousness and boldness. I am thankful Sam wrote this book, because it is one that doesn't get told from professional athletes enough. He really does let the world in to his life and shows who he really is. Don't be afraid to be you and take your mask off, because that's when God will use you. This is definitely a book I am going to recommend to people and keep on my shelf. It will be a reminder of the big picture of who we really serve. 10/10 Thank you for letting me read it ahead, it was a very impactful book.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good book, very much along the lines of motivational combined with memoir. Throughout the book different life stories are used to make certain points, which is effective and ties in with the title and message of the book, but then just means that his life story is told out of order and so you're going back and forth between the teams that he's on and how old he is and all those good things.

So if you like a good motivational book and to casually learn more about Sam Acho then it's wonderful.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book I would’ve normally picked up since I don’t consider myself particularly religious but I met Mr. Acho after he gave a talk at a medical conference I recently attended and he really drew me in as a person. He was a great speaker and the way he talked about his experiences as an athlete really touched me. He was very relatable in his manner of speaking and it translates to his writing as well. The book was surprisingly relatable even in his references to the Bible. I enjoyed reading about his life experiences and his interpretation of different scriptures.

[Tara Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam is very honest - and I adore that. His view on the experiences, challenges, and connections he has encountered are all very interesting. I give it four stars as I was hoping for more of YOU style writing rather than mostly his experiences on how he became ‘seen’. Again, well written and now I just want to hug Sam!

[Britt Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!

Sam Acho does an amazing job showing vulnerability and aligning it with biblical scripture. His life story is amazing. As a person who can relate to wanting to hide throughout different life situations, I must say that this book has inspired me to continue to work on letting the world see the real me. Unapologetically. So glad I stumbled across this book.

[Daren Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I had the pleasure of hearing Sam Acho speak at our American Medical Society of Sports Medicine conference recently and was so moved by how amazing a speaker he was I had to read his book. I had no idea about his journey and even as a believer myself I get inspired and encouraged. I feel like I need to get several copies of this to hand out to friends I know who are struggling as well.

[Tony Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Building self-confidence to overcome life's obstacles is possible through faith is the theme of this author's first book. The world surely sees him now, especially those on the offensive side of a football field. Fortunately Acho seems an earnest man who expresses his gratitude by giving back to his communities.

[Seraphine Yoram · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a while . As a christian I love how He makes the presence of God so tangible and the Love of God so easy to feel.
The writer unveils his personal ups and downs which made this book so relatable .
I would recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing shakey grounds in their faith journey because this book has affirmed my faith in Christ.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Acho draws from his life experiences as a pastor's son and professional athlete to demonstrate God's love for each of us. He handles Scripture very well and is an engaging writer. A very enjoyable read, highly recommended.

[Linda L Isler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the memoir part of this book—the inside the NFL and his faith walk—but I felt it didn’t flow because he organized the book based on topics. I think it would have been better as a memoir where he could have unpacked his growing up, college, NFL…

[Tori Riches · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I greatly appreciate his dedication to shining the light of Christ into the NFL, this story did not feel relatable.

[Mike Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but intense, Acho makes a case for following your muse, and giving God all the credit. An enjoyable read; it's nice to listen to someone who is so unabashedly positive about life.

[Michelle Critcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big sports fan, but I found this audiobook on the library app and it sounded interesting. Really enjoyed Sam's insights into life and faith, and he encouraged me in my journey.

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivation and inspiration is all around you if you are open to receiving them as Sam Acho details in this book. His devotion to and pride in his relationship with God is admirable.

[Zack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've heard it said that when you hide one emotion, you hide them all. You cannot choose which emotions you cut yourself off from. If you try to cut off fear, you'll cut off joy as well.