National Basketball Association star and newest point guard acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets Jeremy Lin has always looked up to his faith in God to overcome all the challenges he has faced in life and in his basketball career.
Lin, who is behind the Linzanity craze in 2012, has recently signed a $4 million two-year contract with the Hornets - his fourth - that is considered by many as "the steal of free agency."
He was formerly drafted by the New York Knicks, before he was traded to the Houston Rockets and later on to the LA Lakers, Lin recently signed on to the Charlotte Hornets with a 2-year contract for nearly $5 million. The basketball player is is also a well-known Evangelical Christian and his official web site offers a special prayer request line.
Recently, Lin answered some personal questions asked by his fans where he shared about his personal failures and mistakes that helped him grow as a person and as a basketball player.
Originally posted in Quora, Lin said "Often times, failure makes me re-evaluate what I need to get better at, whether it is on the court or as a person. God has frequently turned my shortcomings and failures into life changing experiences."
He recounted an incident when he was in high school and he broke his ankle and his team lost the play-offs, Lin said that the experience taught him humility as he used to have "a very terrible attitude and was very arrogant. I was constantly getting kicked out of practice because of my attitude."
Lin went on to say, "During this time I also remember my older brother writing me a letter while he was away in college. His letter reminded me that my career could end at any time, and that all I could control was my attitude -- that I shouldn't take basketball for granted.
"The recovery process seemed to take forever because all I could think about was giving my best effort and adopting a humble attitude in training. I am confident that without this lesson, my career would have been over a long time ago."
Another fan asked him how he stayed focus to be successful despite many people doubting his abilities. Lin replied that he always thanks God for empowering him in many situations that opening doors for the perfect opportunity that allowed him to overcome the obstacles in his life.
"I can undoubtedly say that God has been with me every step of the way, giving me strength even when I didn't think I had enough to go on" he said. "For example, there were many times I thought about quitting basketball my rookie year especially after getting sent to the D-league several times and again after getting cut from two teams my second year in the NBA. During those situations, God reminded me that everything happens for reason, and that He has a perfect plan and that my job is to glorify him with my heart and work ethic."
Lin revealed that he is also blessed with an "amazing support system," adding that his family and friends have been backing him up with every step of the way and keeping him grounded. He recalled how his parents would drive to his every game in Reno, Nevada when he was still playing in the D-league.
