Would you compromise your Christian faith to save your job, your relationships, and your reputation? Or would you have the courage to stand up for what you believe, no matter the consequences?
On July 31, 2020, the Orlando Magic starting forward, Jonathan Isaac, was the lone NBA player not to kneel for the national anthem amid a league-wide demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter. This week, Frank sits down with Jonathan to talk through his inspirational story of faith, conviction, and courage in the face of overwhelming pressure. In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How did Jonathan first become a Christian?
- What apologetics arguments solidified his quest for seeking out the truth?
- How did Jonathan overcome panic attacks and find his true identity beyond basketball?
- What was it like being the only player on his team not to kneel during the national anthem and how did his teammates react?
- What kind of backlash (and unexpected blessings) followed his decision?
- What are some of the unique psychological struggles associated with being a professional basketball player?
- Why did Denzel Washington say "fame is a monster" and how does Jonathan stay grounded in Christ amid the fame, money, and pressure of the NBA?
- What surprising thing happened after Jonathan was dropped by Nike?
We hope this episode encourages you to boldly live out your Christian faith, even when it’s unpopular. To learn more about Jonathan’s powerful story, grab a copy of his book, 'Why I Stand', and check out his sneaker and Christian apparel line at WeAreUnitus.com.
Resources mentioned during the episode:
'Why I Stand' by Jonathan Isaac - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956007067
Unitus Faith-Forward Footwear & Apparel - https://weareunitus.com/
