Somebody's Praying For Me

Have you ever experienced a season when the world suddenly becomes eerily quiet? It's not a peaceful stillness, but a heavy silence. Don Moen called it "being lost in the wilderness." There, the wind and sand choke your throat, and words simply cannot be uttered. You want to pray, you know you "should" pray, but your heart is like a dry well.

In those moments, it's easy to feel forgotten. But the most beautiful secret of the Christian life is this: when your voice fades, an invisible symphony quietly begins. You are not alone in that wilderness; a complete structure of prayer is rising around you.

Knocking on Heaven's Door

I really love one line from the lyrics: "I knew it had to be Somebody down on their knees Somebody praying for me" The image is both humble and powerful. It's the image of a friend, perhaps someone you haven't contacted for weeks (or even longer), who suddenly feels a pang of sympathy and decides to "knock on heaven's door" for you.

As Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew chapter 6, His prayer did not begin with "My Father," but with "Our Father in Heaven." God's children are one family. When you are so weak that you can't even knock on the door, your friends in the Lord will lean on that door for you. They become "gifts" sent by God, building a bridge between your weary heart and His grace.

Defender in the Supreme Court

But what struck me most was this: while we need friends, we also have a greater Intercessor. Jesus is not a distant figure who "doesn't understand" us. He walked through wilderness, He felt thirst. He is our High Priest and Advocate.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

If you're worried that your struggles or silence are disqualifying you, consider this as a divine legal guarantee. The Apostle Paul was essentially asking, "Who can accuse you?" The answer is: No one. Why? Because Jesus Christ, who died for us and rose again for us, is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. So neither hardship, distress, nor even your self-doubt can separate you from His love.

"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:33-35)

Understanding the Silent Holy Spirit

What about those days when you can't even squeeze out a single word? Never forget that the Holy Spirit knows our "unspeakable groans," the heavy sighs we utter under pressure or in sorrow, and translates them into the most perfect prayers to bring before God the Father.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27)

It's like a triple protective net: your friends kneel down for you on earth. The Holy Spirit intercedes deep within your soul. Jesus Christ, the Son, stands in heaven, defending and interceding, guarding your heart.

Break through the Encirclement

Don Moen sang about the moment his faith finally returned, saying, "That's when your prayers broke through" That "breakthrough" is usually not a lightning bolt, but like the first drop of rain after a long drought. It's the moment you realize you'll be alright, not because you're strong, nor because the situation has changed, but because you're being carried by God and people, and you believe that everything is in God's good will.

So if you are in the wilderness today, take a deep breath, inhale grace, and exhale burdens. You don't need to find the perfect words. Because someone is knocking on heaven's gates for you, and someone is defending you. Someone is leading you back to God's house through prayer, to live in Christ, and to pray for one another.

Rising from the Dead

One night, I had a dream: I was rehearsing a song with the choir. The conductor said: The next song is "My Dearest Friend". I'm so happy because this is one of my favorite hymns.

Experience the Lord’s Healing in Singing

But suddenly, I remembered that I was sick and had been sick for a long time. I sadly admitted: "But I can no longer sing high notes." The conductor looked at me confidently and said, "We can do it." Following the conductor's beat, I took a breath and sang "Lord" loudly. To my surprise, I hit the high notes and sang in harmony with everyone else's singing. I'm so happy.

Suddenly, I realized that my body still couldn't move easily. It turned out that I was still lying in bed. The dream was so real that in that dazed state, I actually sang while lying down. What surprised me even more was that I actually sang the whole song. Before this, no matter whether I was sitting or standing, I would have difficulty breathing and my throat would be tight when singing; but this time I sang very smoothly, my breathing was smooth, my diaphragm rose and fell naturally, my breath flowed naturally without any effort, and even my throat was unobstructed. This is the first time since I've been seriously ill.

It was as if the Lord Jesus Himself was leading me to sing, and I poured out my heart to Him through the song. While singing "My heart is thinking of you every day, hoping to meet face to face. In my living and every step I take. In this life, every stop along the way. Your hand is always guiding me, keeping me right by your side." Tears could not help but fall down my cheeks.

Look to the Lord Again in Weakness

Thinking back to a few hours before going to bed, when I could not sleep due to back pain, I thought I was "going to die". I was feeling depressed at that time, and the more I thought about it, the more bitter I became. But at that moment, a Scripture verse suddenly came to me: "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you." (Romans 8:11)

In my weakness, I was almost deceived by this "corrupt and domineering body", so that my faith in God was shaken, and I forgot the grace of God the Father, the power of Jesus' resurrection, and the Holy Spirit who lives in my heart. When I turned my eyes upon Jesus, stopped thinking wildly, and gave no place to the devil, I fell asleep peacefully. Unexpectedly, between dreaming and waking up, I was comforted and encouraged by the song "My Dearest Friend". I especially cherish this precious time of singing with the Lord Jesus in my dream and communicating with Him spiritually. My heart is full of happiness and gratitude.

Share the Lord’s Grace in the Morning

On the one hand, I didn't want to get up, and on the other hand, I started to want to go to the bathroom. But with my fragile body, I still need help from my husband to get out of bed. So I asked softly, "James, do you hear me singing?" He didn't respond. I didn’t want to wake him up, so I sang “Jehovah Is Love” softly. After that, I asked again: "Are you awake?" Still no response. So I started singing "Whom Have I But You."

After these songs, James finally woke up. I couldn't wait to tell him my dream and experience. He also found them incredible. Thank God for regenerating us and giving us eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. When we face challenges and difficulties, our Father God also comforts His children in different ways, strengthens our faith, and gives us hope. Whether I live or die, I want to continue to live by faith.

"Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:21)

United as One

I enjoy chatting with my husband James, both listening and talking. Recently, I suddenly asked him, "James, do you understand me?" He replied, "I'm still getting to know you." I continued, "But I thought you understood me very well." He added, "But that doesn't mean I can always read your mind, because you're so unpredictable."

Another day, I asked him, "What do you like most about our marriage?" He blurted out, "Adventure." Then he paused, and seriously asked himself, "What do I like most about our marriage?" Finally, he answered thoughtfully, "You. Because without you, we would have no marriage."

First Conflict Occurred Over Squeezing Toothpaste

My whirlwind marriage to James was somewhat influenced by his parents. The first time we met, they showed up hand-in-hand. Their family of six were chatting and laughing, embracing and hugging, naturally radiating love and warmth. This made me, a lonely college student, yearn for a happy family. We married after dating for only a few months. At the time, I thought our love would last forever, and we would live happily ever after.

To my surprise, after getting married, James and I had our first argument over squeezing toothpaste. This might be a common pattern in many families, but for me, it marked the beginning of my shattered dreams. It turned out our personalities weren't entirely compatible; we had different backgrounds, interests, and pace of life. We were simply attracted to each other because of our differences. Initially, James was very accommodating, and I was very gentle with him, but in reality, we were both strong-willed. In the early years of our marriage, we experienced both wonderful and terrible times. Arguments about life direction and raising our son led to repeated disappointments as neither of us was willing to compromise.

He couldn't stand my temper tantrums. From his perspective, he couldn't understand the insecurity and fear I felt because of my family background. He tried to make me happy, but I was hard to please. I couldn't stand his reasoning, so he would remain silent, trying to ease the conflict, but I felt he was ignoring me. I accused him of not caring about me, while telling myself it wasn't worth arguing with him. He was no longer the graduate student who would take time to drive me around or sit down and chat with me. "Living happily ever after" wasn't as simple as the world promised; it was like a fading dream, and hope was fading. I needed to "take care" of myself and plan for my future by putting my energy into work.

Rebuilding Marriage on Solid Rock

Thank God we didn't remain in despair. Thirteen years into our marriage, I met Jesus, realized I was a sinner, repented, and came to Christ, experiencing God's unconditional love and acceptance. After knowing Christ, I understood that Jesus was my "closest friend," and realized that my expectation that James would meet all my needs put him in a dilemma. Thank God, within just a few years, my husband and son also came to faith, and I now understand how extraordinary it was that James had remained steadfast in staying with me.

When Jesus Christ entered our lives, everything changed. It wasn't just a change in behavior, but a change in our hearts. We stopped fighting with one another and began to learn how to submit to Him. We began to rebuild our marriages on solid rock, not just based on feelings. When Jesus Christ entered our families, the entire trajectory changed. We not only found new interests and directions, but also new paths. By God's grace, we embarked on a long, beautiful, and arduous journey of learning to understand the true meaning of love and to live out love in Christ:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Redefining Happiness and Being Together

Even when we're busy and tired, we still make time to sit down, even if it's just for 5 to 15 minutes. It's not just about chatting, but about listening to each other and cherishing the precious time we spend together. I'm so grateful that James makes time for me. When he's too busy, I no longer get angry, but pray for him because I know he's busy and tired too. We support each other, just like the song "You Raise Me Up" says, "Until you come and sit awhile with me."

"But with God all things are possible." God shows us that a happy marriage is not because the two people are perfect, but because they are united and live in Christ. We have redefined "to live happily ever after" and true joy comes from a life built on the rock of Christ, which stands firm even in the fiercest storms. We hope that our son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren will see not just a long marriage, but a long period of submission moving in the same direction following Christ.

We had a simple 50th wedding anniversary celebration with our family and offered our praise to God. In a world where people give up at the first sign of trouble, when two people decide to stay together "through thick and thin," the Lord shows us His grace and mercy. When our hearts turn, we realize that Christ is the bond that holds us together.

Over the past two or three years, my health has presented many challenges. Every day, whether visiting the doctor or spending a quiet afternoon, we say, "I trust in Him," and we see God manifesting His presence more clearly. Our faithfulness is not measured by how much we can do, but by how much we trust. We trust in a God who walks with us through our suffering. Dear Lord! Thank You for showing us that although our strength is little, You are enough.

While in jail, the apostle Paul wrote these words, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)

New Year's Hope and Comfort

"What are your plans for the New Year?" This is a common question, but for someone over seventy years old suffering from a chronic illness, it's not an easy question to answer. It's not that I don't believe in plans, it's just that I've experienced too many unexpected things, making it difficult to make plans now. I just want to live each day well, in the presence of the Lord.

Reflecting on God's love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness, I plan to begin a new way of life. I pray that in the new year, I will not be defined by my physical ailments, but by the sweetness of God's Holy Spirit. My Heavenly Father loves me so much that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save me! Please allow me to share with You the comfort, joy, and hope that God has given me in the new year.

Comforted by God who Sustains

God has said, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isaiah 46:4)

After retiring and moving, I suddenly fell ill and remained sick for almost three years, a period that shocked and disheartened me. However, what I have learned from this experience is that I no longer need to "gather" my strength; now, it is only God who sustains me. I have accepted God's sovereignty and seen His goodness and love in my situation. I pray that in the new year, we can all draw closer to our Lord and rely on Him completely in all things, big and small.

Joyful as a Child of God

One day, instead of asking me to watch videos, play games, or tell stories as usual, my six-year-old granddaughter asked, "NaiNai, may I read to you?" I thought I misheard, because not long ago she had said she couldn't read and always needed me to read to her. "You want to read to me, right?" "Yes, because I've never read to you before." I was naturally very happy to hear this, because she had only been in first grade for a few months!

Although I often teach others that "being" is more important than "doing," I myself am still unconsciously focusing on work. I am grateful that I can continue writing even when my efficiency is extremely low, and I thank the readers who have written to encourage me to share my testimonies. Although I don't have the energy to devote to my family, my value lies in companionship and listening, not in efficiency of work. I pray that God will make joy the guiding principle of my life; I pray that the Lord Jesus will help you and me remember that Christian joy is related to "whom we belong to," not to what we do.

Hopeful with Inner Renewal

The Bible delivers a powerful declaration: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16). To my surprise, my heart and mind have undergone many changes in the past few years. I have gained a deeper understanding and closer relationship with God, others, and myself.

I pray that the new year will bring about an inside out "new creation" who is living "in Christ" at all times. Regardless of physical condition, may we possess spiritual vitality, abundant mental energy, and unwavering willpower.

Grateful for Encouragement and Support

Without the devoted care of my family, friends, medical staff, and especially my husband, I simply could not have survived the past few years. Sometimes, I felt sad because of my illness, feeling like I couldn't help and was only a burden to my husband, son, and daughter-in-law. But I know they have always love me, no matter what I am like. Nevertheless, words alone cannot express my gratitude to them. In fact, their faith in the Lord, their love, and their joy have truly given me immense strength. I would like to dedicate a prayer I read, the gist of which is as follows, to them and to caregivers worldwide:

Heavenly Father, please grant your servants divine patience and emotional resilience. When overwhelmed, remind us that we need not be sources of strength, but simply vessels through which your power flows. Grant us discernment and wisdom. In moments of silence, grant our hearts rest, and may your peace guard us in the new year. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

In the new year, whatever we face, let us remember that God has His plan and purpose for our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11). "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Immanuel – God with Us

It was a bitterly cold day. There were no available handicap parking spaces. My husband James temporarily parked the van at the drop off zone and helped me out carefully. I told him to go ahead to find parking. I then pushed my walker and slowly walked into the open courtyard that connected to the clinic entrance.

Sustained by God's Word in the Wind

I zipped up my hooded coat and covered my head. I felt a bit warmer, but my vision was only a few steps ahead. I took each step carefully, trying not to fall. The wind was strong, and I had to stop several times to adjust my hood. How I wished James was there with me.

Suddenly, a familiar verse in the Bible came to mind: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

I read this verse soon after becoming a Christian. At that time, I was still deeply troubled by the hit-and-run accident I had experienced on Highway 101 many years earlier. That accident left me with severe psychological trauma; I was always afraid of being hit by a drunk driver from behind, to the extent that I couldn't help but check my rearview mirror while driving. This verse let me know that God was with me and that He would protect and help me. So I made it a habit to pray with this verse as soon as I got in the car. One day, my fear of driving disappeared.

I began to silently recite this verse and walked toward the clinic in faith. God was with me; I was not alone, for God said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (See Hebrews 13:5)

Remembering the Suffering of the Lord Jesus on Earth

Although James could not park the car and walk with me at the same time, our Creator God the Father is not limited by time, space, or matter. But how can one come to know God? This is precisely why Jesus, the Word, became flesh and dwelt among us: "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known." (John 1:18)

The Apostle John wrote: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us."  (1 John 1:1-2)

When Jesus lived on earth, He also experienced temptations, challenges and sufferings, but He knew, “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father (God) is with me." (John 16:32)

The Good News that God is with Us

In the United States, about one-third of adults report feeling lonely, and one-quarter report a lack of social and emotional support. With Christmas approaching, my friend, do you know the meaning of Christmas and the two names of Jesus?

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." (1 John 4:9)

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.... All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Outstretched Arms and Mighty Hands

One day I was very tired and wanted to take a nap. I slowly moved my body to lie down, and there came the sharp back pain. I've gotten used to pains during rehabilitation, but undeniably, these ups and downs leave me exhausted, and sometimes I feel like I can't go on.

Everyone Extended Their Right Arm to Me

Although I knew that the Lord Jesus was with me and understood my pain, I still felt confused, wronged, and sad. I lay there silently weeping, and drifted off to sleep. It felt like I slept for a long time. The gloom I felt before falling asleep was gone, and I thanked the Lord for still being with me. Suddenly, I heard the soft sound of a door opening and closing downstairs. I guessed it was my son, and immediately used the hospital bed to slowly sit up. Just as I was focusing on how to get out of bed, I heard my eldest granddaughter's voice: "Hi, NaiNai."

I was overjoyed: "Oh, you've come!" She stood by the bed, giving me her sweetest smile: "I came with Baba to see you. NaiNai, what are you doing?"

I slowly moved my left leg towards the edge of the bed. "I just woke up and wanted to get up." Immediately she extending her right arm and said, "May I help you?"

I looked at the teenage girl and said, "Thank you, but NaiNai might be too heavy for you." "Okay. I'll go find Baba." She hurriedly ran out.

I closed my eyes and continued to focus on moving my lower body. Hearing footsteps, I opened my eyes and saw my husband James, our son, and granddaughter lined up around my bed and at its foot, each of them extending their right arm towards me. At that moment, I earnestly wished to take a picture.

God Often Saves Us with His Mighty Hand

James stood closet by my bed. As usual, he knew not to pull me up by force, so he patiently watched me slowly turn my lower body, and once I was in position, I grabbed his arm and pulled myself up.

I didn't take any photos, but I'll never forget this moment. I believe God is in control of every detail of my life. Behind all this love, there is an unseen hand. I remember the Bible mentioning many times how God uses His powerful hands and outstretched arms to save His people; He will also save and help you and me in the same way, because: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27a)

Arms We Can Always Rely On

I once knew a friend who was going through a very difficult time, weathering one storm after another, feeling hopeless and helpless. All I could do was be there for her, listening, comforting, and praying to my Heavenly Father to give her a way out. One day, she suddenly told me that she had accidentally heard a song called "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" the night before, and she liked it very much and felt peaceful. Thank God!

God is good, and He is the source of love. This love is gracious, faithful, loyal, and steadfast. God is full of love, mercy, and grace forever. The one true God is in control of everything; will we trust in Him? Will we live under His absolute sovereignty? Having repeatedly experienced God's presence, protection, and promises, how then we are to express our gratitude?

Psalm 136, from its beginning to the end, reminds us to praise and give thanks to God. Each verse reiterating the phrase "His love endures forever." Each verse also provides experiential examples demonstrating God's work. This psalm can serve as a model for our praise and thanksgiving, and we can all give thanks in all circumstances —— "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever....With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.... Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1,12,26)

Jeremy Lin: God's Amazing Works

In February 2012, 23-year-old Jeremy Lin led the New York Knicks to a string of consecutive wins in the NBA, prompting fans to coin the term "Linsanity." How could an undrafted reserve player rise to worldwide fame in a single week? Numerous reports and stories have emerged about "Linsanity." Some claim it was a fleeting phenomenon, others say it was a matter of luck and timing, a matter of place and people, unremarkable. But the impossible became possible, and those involved deeply understood it to be a miracle.

Jeremy Lin's Basketball Journey

In December 2011, Jeremy Lin was waived by the Golden State Warriors and subsequently drafted and waived by the Houston Rockets. When he joined the New York Knicks, he was still confined to the bench, with no chance of even playing, let alone starting. Then his opportunity came, he seized it, and then he made history! At the end of August 2025, Jeremy Lin announced his retirement from professional basketball on Instagram:

"As athletes, we are always aware that the possibility of retirement is never far away. I’ve spent my 15 year career knowing that one day I would have to walk away, and yet actually saying goodbye to basketball today has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made.

It's been the honor of a lifetime to compete against the fiercest competitors under the brightest lights and to challenge what the world thought was possible for someone who looks like me. I've lived out my wildest childhood dreams to play in front of fans all around the world. I will forever be the kid who felt fully alive every time I touched a basketball. 

So many people have sacrificed and poured into my journey, more than I could ever repay. Thank you all for believing in me, for walking with me, for celebrating my highs and picking me up in my lows. This is a ride I never wanted to end but I know it’s time. I will forever miss playing basketball in front of you all but our time will go beyond just playing. Here’s to what’s ahead. Love you all."

The Role of Basketball in Life

Basketball was once one of my favorite sports. Believe it or not, I made my high school team. Although we never won any games, I learned and practiced the sport I loved. In my 30s, working as a software engineering manager, I still played three-on-three basketball with my male colleagues under the scorching sun. I wasn't as tall, strong, or quick as them, but my shooting improved, earning me the nickname "Downtown Winnis." This was because I had a 6-foot-7 colleague to protect me, and the other colleagues tried their best not to bump into me. Looking back, that is grace.

I also enjoyed playing basketball with young people, especially my own son. When he was ten, my husband James and I took him on a short-term mission trip to an Indian reservation. The team members consisted primarily of high school students, their youth counselors, and a few parents. Before the trip ended, we exchanged thank-you notes. One read, "Dear Auntie Winnis, thank you for playing basketball with us in the scorching sun. This shows us your care for young people. It demonstrates the love of Jesus!" Those teenagers were also full of grace.

From Sport Fan to the Father of Sport Star

Back to Jeremy Lin. I'm grateful for the opportunity to know Jeremy's family, to minister to children at church with his mother Shirley and watch our kids grow up. All three Lin sons love basketball. Every day, Jeremy's father Gie-ming waits for his children to finish their homework before taking them to play basketball. Loving basketball, Jeremy continued to attend Sunday worship and youth group during high school despite his busy academic and basketball schedules. He also served as a teaching assistant at our church's Sunday School and served as a game leader at Vacation Bible school for several years. His parents helped him pursue his dreams while also learning how to manage his time and priorities and shaping his character through faith. For almost his entire basketball years, he worked hard to get opportunities and hence proved some critics wrong.

While attending university in Taiwan, Jeremy's father became fascinated with NBA games through television. Although he only saw highlights, he knew the famous players well. He longed to study in the United States, dreaming not only of academic success but also of watching full games on television.

In his early 30s, he began playing basketball for fitness and later joined an amateur basketball team. When his three sons were born, from a few years old, each followed their father and older brother(s) to play basketball. Jeremy's father set an example by working hard and personally taking his children to play basketball whenever he had free time. However, he insisted that his sons prioritize both schoolwork and exercise: "Finish your homework first, then we'll go play."

Going Through the Ups and Downs with God's Grace

Because of such early start, each child was able to join the school basketball team. Around 2009, Jeremy was interviewed in college and talked about his past: "I didn't expect to play in college. Honestly, I didn't know if I was going to be able to play in high school. I was always one of the smallest guys. I went into high school at 5'3", 125 pounds, and every day I came home from practice asking my parents if I would grow taller. So, physically, I was so far behind. I was just trying to make the varsity team, let alone play in college. I had no idea what God had in store for me. That's why everyday, when I wake up and go to practice, I remind myself to be grateful that I have been so blessed. I could try to take credit for whatever success I've had, but honestly I see my basketball career as a miracle.”

Jeremy has always loved basketball, so he constantly works hard, expresses gratitude, and prays, knowing that it is God who has enabled him to grow taller and stronger and given him opportunities. Even if things don't always go his way, he persists in his faith, accepts God's sovereignty, strives toward his goals, and is always ready to seize opportunities.

None of this is a coincidence. After the "Linsanity" miracle, things didn't always go smoothly for Jeremy. Instead, it felt like a long road ahead. He was traded to multiple teams and plagued by injuries. But by God's grace, he worked tirelessly to recover, weathering highs and lows, becoming an inspiration to many, and continuing to play until retirement. I would like to wish Jeremy and his family all the best, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to see how He shapes each person according to His will, wisdom, and plan.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)