Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms, by Tim Tebow

Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms will be released on October 25, 2016. Pre-order yours now at Amazon.com!

shaken“You never know how the hard times today will inspire someone tomorrow.” ~Tim Tebow

Book Review, by Tab Olsen

Have you ever questioned God’s plan? Wondered why your life has unraveled in an unexpected direction? Struggled with a setback, broken dream, or heartbreak? Many of us have been on the receiving end of rejection or disappointment. And while traveling hard roads is not easy, when we are grounded in truth, we can endure the tough times.

I’ve never been a sports fan, but I am a Tim Tebow fan. I’ve been following his career ever since the homeschool graduate first made a name for himself in college football. I was so excited to hear about his new book coming out, because as soon as I saw what it was about, I instantly thought of a couple of individuals I know who are going through a hard time and could benefit from it. I just wish the book had been released sooner… but it won’t be long now. Here’s a sneak peek!

Discover Who You Are

Shaken is a powerful book in which Tim Tebow combines never-before-told stories from his life with biblical teachings on anchoring your identity and self-worth. He passionately relates his own journey through disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. This moving book also features insights from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways.

“I am so excited about this book,” said Tebow. “I have the opportunity to share about some highs. But I also have the opportunity to share about some lows, and be vulnerable, and pull back the curtain a little bit. I will be able to give people a glimpse at what happens when you fall short. What happens when you don’t reach your dreams? What do you hold onto? Who do you hold onto?”

The first seven chapters provide glimpses into Tebow’s private life, and tell about some of the lows he’s personally experienced. Lessons learned during those times include: what it means to stay grounded in the face of doubt, fear, and criticism; why others matter; and how our objective in life is not to be like everyone else, but to be who we are no matter what twists and turns life throws our way.

The very public highs and lows of Tebow’s football career have given him a unique perspective on what it means to maintain a sense of self when your dreams do not go as planned. With compelling honesty, Tebow writes about how others have tried to define him by his circumstances and how, through it all, he has used these opportunities to grow in the understanding that his identity comes from God alone.

Tebow writes in the book, “Was my identity found in those highs when we were making a playoff run? No. Was my identity found a year later when I was being let go? No. I was excited, proud, happy, disappointed, and sad at times, but that’s not what made me — that’s not who I was and that’s not who I am. The world doesn’t get to define you because God already did that.”

In the introduction of Shaken, Tebow says, “I admit, writing this book hasn’t been easy. It was tough to relive some painful moments. But I’ll say that in those places of doubt and even of darkness, I’ve realized that who I am has nothing to do with wins or losses, applause, or negative criticism. It has to do with whose I am” (page 4).

Did you get that? Everyone else says “find yourself” and “be yourself,” but instead of saying “who I am,” Tebow says “WHOSE I am.” Coincidentally, Pastor Bobby Schuller’s September 25 sermon on “Treasure the God Who Treasures You” had a similar message: “You are not what you have… you are who has you.”

Tebow reiterates in Chapter 2 of his book, “I like to say that identity comes not necessarily from who we are, but from whose we are. I am a child of God. My foundation for who I am is grounded in my faith. In a God who loves me. In a God who gives me purpose. In a God who sees the big picture. In a God who always has a greater plan. Who am I? I am the object of His love. That’s a big deal” (page 28).

Live Like It Matters

In Shaken, Tebow says it’s “time to circle back to our identity in God. He created each of us in a unique way for a reason. We are each different in how we look, how we think, how we create, how we process information….  Whether you feel you aren’t pretty enough, strong enough, big enough, fast enough, or smart enough… You are wonderfully made” (page 132).

Tebow shows that once we gain confidence from our identity in God – not the world – we can be a positive influence on the world. “When we are grounded in whose we are, not only can we handle the storms that come, but we can also begin to move forward in a more purposeful direction…. We can use our stories to help others in their own” (page 5). The final three chapters of Shaken focus on how we can impact others in our journey of faith and purpose.

The book ends with a quote from Christian devotional author Roy Lessin: “Just think, you’re here not by chance, but by God’s choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else—you are one of a kind. You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation.”

Part memoir and part Bible study, Shaken delivers practical advice and biblical wisdom about what it means to fix your hope and your identity in a God who does not change. In this Scripture-packed book, Tebow highlights key Bible passages that will inspire you to:

* Release bitterness from past hurts and trust in a loving God
* Recognize and use your talents to make a difference in the world
* Remain resilient and grounded in your faith despite extraordinary odds

Perfect for individual reflection or group use, Shaken includes in-depth discussion questions. This book will leave you spiritually and mentally prepared to face life’s challenges head-on. Tebow admits that some days it’s easy, but other days it’s a struggle. Traveling hard roads may not be easy, but it’s always worth it!

About the Author

Tim Tebow is a homeschool graduate, the son of Christian missionaries. He founded the Tim Tebow Foundation to bring faith, hope, and love to children in need around the world. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators, a Heisman Trophy win, a first-round NFL draft pick, and promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets but he was released after just one season. Then Tebow joined the ESPN/SEC Network as a football analyst. He also co-hosted the second season of the FOX reality show, “Home Free,” which Tebow says practices the Biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive. On September 8, 2016, Tebow signed a minor league baseball contract with the New York Mets. In his first at-bat with the organization on September 28, Tebow hit a home run on the first pitch! Read more about Tim Tebow here and here.

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