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Why I Stand
Facing public criticism, peer hostility, and widespread disapproval, would you compromise your principles to blend in with the crowd, or would you stand for what you believe?
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. Standing alone, knowing the scrutiny to come, Jonathan had a peace he at one time never could have imagined possible.
In Why I Stand, Jonathan shares the journey of how—through a series of divine connections and a willingness to follow Christ—his fear and insecurity-driven life was transformed into one of confidence and purpose. From his childhood in the Bronx to his high school years in Florida, from rail-skinny freshman at FSU to top draft pick in the NBA, Jonathan uses his life story to illuminate the freedom and peace found in the love of Jesus Christ.
More than the story of an NBA player’s transformation from man on the court to man of God, Why I Stand is a testament to His love, power, and grace that extends to us all. This book is a discovery that no matter your level of confidence today, God’s strength will develop in your weakness. That courage is found in trusting that God is greater than your fears.
As Jonathan takes you through the experiences that drove his decisions, he offers insight and inspiration to help you to grow to a point where standing alone is better than not standing at all.
This is the story behind the stand.
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. Standing alone, knowing the scrutiny to come, Jonathan had a peace he at one time never could have imagined possible.
In Why I Stand, Jonathan shares the journey of how—through a series of divine connections and a willingness to follow Christ—his fear and insecurity-driven life was transformed into one of confidence and purpose. From his childhood in the Bronx to his high school years in Florida, from rail-skinny freshman at FSU to top draft pick in the NBA, Jonathan uses his life story to illuminate the freedom and peace found in the love of Jesus Christ.
More than the story of an NBA player’s transformation from man on the court to man of God, Why I Stand is a testament to His love, power, and grace that extends to us all. This book is a discovery that no matter your level of confidence today, God’s strength will develop in your weakness. That courage is found in trusting that God is greater than your fears.
As Jonathan takes you through the experiences that drove his decisions, he offers insight and inspiration to help you to grow to a point where standing alone is better than not standing at all.
This is the story behind the stand.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
144 people are currently reading
1376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 25, 2022
A Portrait of a Godly man…
Jonathan has impressed me as the real deal. He is a man striking after what God wants from him. He is self aware that he is less than perfect, but perfectly loved by God. I look forward to what the future has in store for this young man.
Jonathan has impressed me as the real deal. He is a man striking after what God wants from him. He is self aware that he is less than perfect, but perfectly loved by God. I look forward to what the future has in store for this young man.
September 16, 2022
Not being a sports fan, I never had heard of Jonathan Issac. Since I enjoy biographies and the cover intrigued me, I brought it on home. I haven’t read a book in one day in forever; it happened with this one. This is Mr. Issac’s honest look into his struggles to become, as he puts it, “not just Jonathan Issac the basketball player but Jonathan Issac the man of faith who played basketball.” His journey to faith over fear is revealing, inspiring and clearly lays out that Christian faith must travel beyond the walls of the church building. We are not defined by who we are in the world’s eyes, but who we are in eyes of God. Preach it, brother!
July 15, 2022
I bought this book for my 13 year old son who plays basketball. Well, he’s read it four times and it’s the first book he’s ever insisted I read as it was so inspiring to him. Thank you to Jonathan Isaac for sharing your story. Keep striving to glorify God in all you do!
December 2, 2022
I love what he has to say and his overall message, but this book needed a better editor. It read like a grammatical mess. I understand that some of it was intentional to reflect who he is, but incorrect dates, punctuation errors, and inconsistent tenses within paragraphs were a distraction.
October 6, 2022
The personal story of how NBA player Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic learned to find his identity in Christ. This book tells "the story behind the stand."
Note: Audible version read by author.
Note: Audible version read by author.
July 23, 2022
As a Christian and an NBA basketball fan, I enjoyed this book so much!!!
As a Christian, all the themes of obedience to God, even when the world is screaming otherwise, of seeking truth when no one else is, and of God’s relentless pursuit of His people, were so amazing.
As an NBA fan, I loved how Jonathan brought me behind the scenes of exactly how things played out, from his recruitment, to the players only meetings after his stand.
I highly recommend this book for any Christian and/or NBA fan!
As a Christian, all the themes of obedience to God, even when the world is screaming otherwise, of seeking truth when no one else is, and of God’s relentless pursuit of His people, were so amazing.
As an NBA fan, I loved how Jonathan brought me behind the scenes of exactly how things played out, from his recruitment, to the players only meetings after his stand.
I highly recommend this book for any Christian and/or NBA fan!
December 16, 2023
I picked this up after hearing about Jonathan Isaac’s new shoe/sports brand. The story of him standing at the game was really only about a chapter or two of the whole book. The real story was about him going from an anxious and self-consumed unbeliever to a determined and servant-hearted Christian man. I can see a young basketball fan enjoying this.
March 5, 2024
Sports is not my cup of tea, but I appreciated the message of standing up for what you believe in, even when it is not popular to do so and even in the face of others around you hating you for it. I found Jonathan’s personal story of triumphing over his own anxieties around public perception to be inspiring and certainly relatable. Overall a good read.
May 16, 2024
Great testimony!
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading about Isaac’s life experiences. It was interesting to read his reasons for standing during the Bubble and also his not getting vaccinated. I also like the fact he is a Seminole.
June 19, 2022
If everyone thought like him the world would be a better place. It tells how he became closer with our Lord and how he used his faith in his every day life. It tells when he was a young boy and how he became the faithful man he is today. Great, fast read.
August 13, 2022
Such an honest breath of fresh air, detailing an up close view of what it looks like to get to know God, which then changes everything.
November 21, 2022
I struggled with this one. For me, I am inclined towards a secular conversation and have always struggled with the inclusion of a preordained path based on faith.
That said, the positives:
He stood out and for being brave and courageous at the face of adversity. Unwavering faith and constant inner battle for insecurities was refreshing to hear from a top athlete.
In the eye of the world, your allegiance to a cause is measured by your obedience to a command (kneeling) more than your actual beliefs and actions.
His faith in God and himself was honest and candid. It was authentic to him.
That said, the positives:
He stood out and for being brave and courageous at the face of adversity. Unwavering faith and constant inner battle for insecurities was refreshing to hear from a top athlete.
In the eye of the world, your allegiance to a cause is measured by your obedience to a command (kneeling) more than your actual beliefs and actions.
His faith in God and himself was honest and candid. It was authentic to him.
February 16, 2023
Not exactly the best written book, sometimes a bit hard to digest. However, a VERY important message. So so impressed with this young man’s road to growth. It takes courage to stand alone.
May 11, 2024
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It could have used better editing, but the message was inspiring.
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading Jonathan Judah Isaac’s book. This read a lot like an autobiography that God is not quite finished writing yet.
I expected it to be more of a book of reasons why he stood (which it was), but it really was more about how God transformed his life and how he desires the same thing to happen to others. He stood because Jesus is the answer.
I also went back and watched the press conferences that he references in the book and all I can is wow.
This man’s life was truly transformed and his answers reflected how he desires the same thing for others.
I expected it to be more of a book of reasons why he stood (which it was), but it really was more about how God transformed his life and how he desires the same thing to happen to others. He stood because Jesus is the answer.
I also went back and watched the press conferences that he references in the book and all I can is wow.
This man’s life was truly transformed and his answers reflected how he desires the same thing for others.
March 28, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: WHILE PRO SPORTS KILLS THEMSELVES WITH BIAS POLITICS… ONE YOUNG MAN STOOD TALL
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During World War II… President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)… made the intelligent… heartfelt decision… to allow Major League Baseball to continue to be played. He wanted the American people to still be able to have some normalcy... and something to take their minds off all the death and destruction… for at least a few hours per day. It was also beneficial for the troops out on the horrendous front lines. There is nary a World War II movie made where a soldier doesn’t ask someone if they’ve heard how the Brooklyn Dodgers “Our Bums” are doing??!!
Now fast forward to modern times… and the world… including the United States… is entrenched… in a different kind of multi-faceted war. Covid deaths in America have passed **ONE-MILLION**… that’s two-and-a-half times the American deaths in World War II. Our country is also being torn apart by political dissent… there are riots… burning buildings… and murders! Where is a man with the wisdom and compassion of an FDR when our country needs him?
Instead of having a leader… who sees the sense… the passion… the integrity… of giving all Americans the ability to forget for a few minutes that the country is literally crumbling before their very eyes… seeing their jobs disappear… being forced to stay locked in their homes… generations of family members separated for a year and more… instead of saying… the great American citizenry… more than deserves… at least a couple of hours a day to totally forget about the cultural-political-religious-medical… divides that are growing faster than the disease itself… OH YEA!… also don’t forget the non-stop battles over mask or no mask… or two masks at a time… or vaccine shots or no shot… or two shots… or four shots… and the greatest flim-flam-used-car-salesman-talking out of eight sides of his mouth… Dr. Fauci!
If we had another FDR… our magical salve for a few hours a day would be professional sports. But… it’s as if the devil has taken over the management of pro-sports. Instead of sitting back… having a couple of cold ones and root for your team(s)… the paying… loyal… patriotic… fan… instead of being given a “pardon” for a few hours… is force-fed spoiled… pampered… severely overpaid… athletes… kneeling on the ground when the National Anthem is played… and as a **HONORABLY*DISCHARGED*VIET*NAM*ERA*VETERAN**
I find that offensive no matter how they try to spin it! (And don’t give me any spin rate crap!) Then the owner’s and commissioners… actually paint politicized statements on the courts… on the walls… and even more insane… and bias… even political statements… on the back of our holy historical uniforms. WAIT A MINUTE! WASN’T THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE GAMES TO GO ON…? WAS TO FORGET… AND GET AWAY FROM… ALL THE HELLACIOUS POLITICS THAT IMMERSE OUR LIVES THE OTHER TWENTY-TWO-HOURS PER DAY… SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK??!!
Wow! I never thought I would be excited to be saved by a commercial… but what da hell??... now the commercials are political also… with some rich Hollywood nobody… or rich athlete telling us what we should feel AND do! Non-stop… I repeat… WHERE IS FDR WHEN WE NEED HIM??!!
Everyone I know… started to stop watching the games… and not buying the jerseys… AND THEN…
AND THEN… ONE COURAGEOUS YOUNG MAN… STOOD UP… STOOD ALONE… STOOD TALL… STOOD PROUD… AND TOUCHED MORE PEOPLE… OF MORE AGES… RELIGIONS… RACES… THAN HE WOULD OR COULD HAVE EVER KNOWN!
Jonathan is a player in the NBA… and basketball is obviously a big part of his life… but glory in this book has nothing to do with the statistics on the court. Jonathan’s journey through his quest to truly find… and understand…
And become that wonderful… spiritual… teammate of G-d. JONATHAN ISAAC… and this book… is by him… and about him. I will tell you this right off… this book is a physically small book… it is relatively short in words…
But it is the perfect length for Jonathan to share with the world what made him the man he is today… what led him… on July 31, 2020… as a member of the Orlando Magic… to by himself… on his own…
While every teammate… every opponent… every referee… every coach… every assistant… and everyone… but the blessed… JONATHAN ISAAC kneeled down. The story told by Jonathan… explains in the simplest of terms… how he truly learned of what it takes to truly understand the meaning of G-d in your life. It doesn’t matter what name you honor for your personal L-rd… the lifelong search to really “get it”… to fully “grasp” it… to accept it in your very soul… and then become a better person… a better human being… thus making this ugly crumbling world into a better place… at least in the portion you can impact in your daily life.
Jonathan is now twenty-four years old… so his life’s journey is far shorter at this point than many… especially me. But his constant self-doubt… and trying to fit in… is a battle he faced every day… and was not easy on him. Whether he knew it or not… on his journey… like most of us… his biggest enemy was himself. But the wonderful heartfelt young man… wouldn’t quit in finding what he himself truly wanted… and needed to become… which couldn’t have been accomplished without the L-rd and some amazingly special friends and family. I’ve been writing reviews for over a decade on Amazon… and for some reason a couple of years ago… they stopped allowing people to make comments or ask questions of a reviewer like me. I bring this up… because one of my best feelings from my reviews was when parents would ask me on specific books if this book was right for a certain aged child. It felt good to help guide the reading content for a caring family. Since Amazon no longer allows that… I feel I should make sure to state here on my own… that a child from thirteen years old on (and some children who are really sharp and love reading like my Granddaughter… could read… enjoy… and learn… from the age of twelve-years-old) with a minor stipulation that the parent based on your religion SHOULD EXPLAIN PRIOR TO READING THE BOOK that G-d is different to different people and religions.
Not only is this a wonderful… and unique book… just like the author… but some of the weak… spineless… people who run the pro-sports leagues… should learn what true courage is… and standing up and alone… doesn’t have to be judged politically correct and “woke”. Show some courage… faith… and integrity like young Jonathan.
Amen Brother!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
During World War II… President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)… made the intelligent… heartfelt decision… to allow Major League Baseball to continue to be played. He wanted the American people to still be able to have some normalcy... and something to take their minds off all the death and destruction… for at least a few hours per day. It was also beneficial for the troops out on the horrendous front lines. There is nary a World War II movie made where a soldier doesn’t ask someone if they’ve heard how the Brooklyn Dodgers “Our Bums” are doing??!!
Now fast forward to modern times… and the world… including the United States… is entrenched… in a different kind of multi-faceted war. Covid deaths in America have passed **ONE-MILLION**… that’s two-and-a-half times the American deaths in World War II. Our country is also being torn apart by political dissent… there are riots… burning buildings… and murders! Where is a man with the wisdom and compassion of an FDR when our country needs him?
Instead of having a leader… who sees the sense… the passion… the integrity… of giving all Americans the ability to forget for a few minutes that the country is literally crumbling before their very eyes… seeing their jobs disappear… being forced to stay locked in their homes… generations of family members separated for a year and more… instead of saying… the great American citizenry… more than deserves… at least a couple of hours a day to totally forget about the cultural-political-religious-medical… divides that are growing faster than the disease itself… OH YEA!… also don’t forget the non-stop battles over mask or no mask… or two masks at a time… or vaccine shots or no shot… or two shots… or four shots… and the greatest flim-flam-used-car-salesman-talking out of eight sides of his mouth… Dr. Fauci!
If we had another FDR… our magical salve for a few hours a day would be professional sports. But… it’s as if the devil has taken over the management of pro-sports. Instead of sitting back… having a couple of cold ones and root for your team(s)… the paying… loyal… patriotic… fan… instead of being given a “pardon” for a few hours… is force-fed spoiled… pampered… severely overpaid… athletes… kneeling on the ground when the National Anthem is played… and as a **HONORABLY*DISCHARGED*VIET*NAM*ERA*VETERAN**
I find that offensive no matter how they try to spin it! (And don’t give me any spin rate crap!) Then the owner’s and commissioners… actually paint politicized statements on the courts… on the walls… and even more insane… and bias… even political statements… on the back of our holy historical uniforms. WAIT A MINUTE! WASN’T THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING THE GAMES TO GO ON…? WAS TO FORGET… AND GET AWAY FROM… ALL THE HELLACIOUS POLITICS THAT IMMERSE OUR LIVES THE OTHER TWENTY-TWO-HOURS PER DAY… SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK??!!
Wow! I never thought I would be excited to be saved by a commercial… but what da hell??... now the commercials are political also… with some rich Hollywood nobody… or rich athlete telling us what we should feel AND do! Non-stop… I repeat… WHERE IS FDR WHEN WE NEED HIM??!!
Everyone I know… started to stop watching the games… and not buying the jerseys… AND THEN…
AND THEN… ONE COURAGEOUS YOUNG MAN… STOOD UP… STOOD ALONE… STOOD TALL… STOOD PROUD… AND TOUCHED MORE PEOPLE… OF MORE AGES… RELIGIONS… RACES… THAN HE WOULD OR COULD HAVE EVER KNOWN!
Jonathan is a player in the NBA… and basketball is obviously a big part of his life… but glory in this book has nothing to do with the statistics on the court. Jonathan’s journey through his quest to truly find… and understand…
And become that wonderful… spiritual… teammate of G-d. JONATHAN ISAAC… and this book… is by him… and about him. I will tell you this right off… this book is a physically small book… it is relatively short in words…
But it is the perfect length for Jonathan to share with the world what made him the man he is today… what led him… on July 31, 2020… as a member of the Orlando Magic… to by himself… on his own…
While every teammate… every opponent… every referee… every coach… every assistant… and everyone… but the blessed… JONATHAN ISAAC kneeled down. The story told by Jonathan… explains in the simplest of terms… how he truly learned of what it takes to truly understand the meaning of G-d in your life. It doesn’t matter what name you honor for your personal L-rd… the lifelong search to really “get it”… to fully “grasp” it… to accept it in your very soul… and then become a better person… a better human being… thus making this ugly crumbling world into a better place… at least in the portion you can impact in your daily life.
Jonathan is now twenty-four years old… so his life’s journey is far shorter at this point than many… especially me. But his constant self-doubt… and trying to fit in… is a battle he faced every day… and was not easy on him. Whether he knew it or not… on his journey… like most of us… his biggest enemy was himself. But the wonderful heartfelt young man… wouldn’t quit in finding what he himself truly wanted… and needed to become… which couldn’t have been accomplished without the L-rd and some amazingly special friends and family. I’ve been writing reviews for over a decade on Amazon… and for some reason a couple of years ago… they stopped allowing people to make comments or ask questions of a reviewer like me. I bring this up… because one of my best feelings from my reviews was when parents would ask me on specific books if this book was right for a certain aged child. It felt good to help guide the reading content for a caring family. Since Amazon no longer allows that… I feel I should make sure to state here on my own… that a child from thirteen years old on (and some children who are really sharp and love reading like my Granddaughter… could read… enjoy… and learn… from the age of twelve-years-old) with a minor stipulation that the parent based on your religion SHOULD EXPLAIN PRIOR TO READING THE BOOK that G-d is different to different people and religions.
Not only is this a wonderful… and unique book… just like the author… but some of the weak… spineless… people who run the pro-sports leagues… should learn what true courage is… and standing up and alone… doesn’t have to be judged politically correct and “woke”. Show some courage… faith… and integrity like young Jonathan.
Amen Brother!!
June 22, 2022
Isaac shares his faith and life story as a kid growing up on a single parent family and his faith journey. Isaac became more well known in 2020 for his decision to stand versus kneel during the national anthem prior to NBA basketball games. Isaac is transparent about his decisions, some of his mental health struggles and things he learned. I have mad respect for the maturity he displays in sharing his story.
June 6, 2022
I have never watched a basketball game in my life – never even heard of this guy.
He is a great story teller – the story of the “lie about the cup” grabbed me from the beginning, it brought me back to my own childhood.
I wish everyone would read this book – young people who are struggling with who they are – confused – this is a book for you. For me (not a young person) it challenged me to be a better Christian. In the last few years I have sometimes wondered what the heck has happened to our country? And I sometimes think that part of the blame of the craziness in the world today lies on the backs of us Christians who do not live out our faith joyfully. This book solidifies that thought but even more it motivated me to start living my faith more today. It also made me think about the importance of not making our faith journey alone – he had a spiritual advisor in Doc – someone who would listen, and point him in the right direction when feeling lost. So many wonderful things in this book – I originally bought the audible version, but after finishing it I ended up by the printed version as well as it’s that kind of book – the kind you will highlight parts that stand out to go back read again at times. I cannot say enough good about this book!
He is a great story teller – the story of the “lie about the cup” grabbed me from the beginning, it brought me back to my own childhood.
I wish everyone would read this book – young people who are struggling with who they are – confused – this is a book for you. For me (not a young person) it challenged me to be a better Christian. In the last few years I have sometimes wondered what the heck has happened to our country? And I sometimes think that part of the blame of the craziness in the world today lies on the backs of us Christians who do not live out our faith joyfully. This book solidifies that thought but even more it motivated me to start living my faith more today. It also made me think about the importance of not making our faith journey alone – he had a spiritual advisor in Doc – someone who would listen, and point him in the right direction when feeling lost. So many wonderful things in this book – I originally bought the audible version, but after finishing it I ended up by the printed version as well as it’s that kind of book – the kind you will highlight parts that stand out to go back read again at times. I cannot say enough good about this book!
April 27, 2023
This book is more than just about a man standing during the national anthem. This is the story of the faithful pursuit of God in a man’s life. Through different people that God used to work in him at different times in his life so that he could become a vessel for the Lord. You really hear about the story of Jonathan Issac and God. This story is an open honest self reflection on his own journey and opening up about mental health struggles and also a journey of realizing who Jesus is. Amazing book recommend it for all. Great biography and there is something for everyone in reading it!
December 23, 2023
The first half of the book isn’t bad. It starts out like a standard memoir with an emphasis on his upbringing and basketball. I enjoyed that. Then he meets this “Doc” character, who uses religion to manipulate a young fella with anxiety/depression. He found religion, which is fine. But it becomes a slippery slope into misguided political ignorance, which is so prevalent today. The last chapter (about his “stand”) really stunk. It’s a bummer that Isaac has become a chess piece in a larger political game. Go Magic?
June 12, 2022
I'm thankful that some, like Jonathan Issac, choose to stand up. I appreciate those who are faithful in the face of adversity. I appreciate those who go against the popular narrative and instead stand for Jesus. May we all be so bold, especially knowing we have the backing of and stand for our Savior! Thanks a million, Jonathan, for your story!
January 7, 2023
Why I Stand is the best book I've read in years, not because of its literary merit or writer's craft (though that isn't bad at all), but rather because of its humble, simple, straightforward testimony about a life changed by Jesus Christ! I didn't think it could be possible to be both a towering 6'11 starting forward for the Orlando Magic (for his shot-blocking, stealing, and rebounding ability Isaac has been dubbed "The Minister of Defense") and simultaneously a lowly and humble man, transparent about his insecurities and failures, resolute in his decision to follow Jesus Christ! As a Christ-follower myself, I have an unshakable desire to shake Jonathan Isaac's hand and thank him for the stand he's taken for Jesus. His story inspires me to take a similar stand, which of course will be less in the limelight than his was; nonetheless, his story inspires me to show the same courage and the same faith that Isaac has shown.
Here's a passage that shows a slice of Jonathan's life beforehe turned his life over to Christ.
Here's a passage that shows a slice of Jonathan's life beforehe turned his life over to Christ.
I'll never forget a group of us rooks chilling during some free time [at the Rookie Transition Program seminar]. We were talking about the caliber of women in our new respective cities and how well each of us were faring so far. When the attention got to Semi Ojeleye, he made a startling confession. "I'm not in to all that," he said. "I'm a virgin."The next passage I'd like to highlight requires some backstory to explain why I liked it so much. According to an article on Oprah's website oprahdaily.com, "positive affirmations are statements that can help brighten your outlook on the world when you say them to yourself regularly or write them down in a journal." I have tried speaking positive affirmations to myself in order to combat my negative, reproachful self talk, but "you're doing great!" and "you've got this!" never seem to silence my inner-critic. It dawned on me awhile ago that the reason positive affirmations don't work for me is because I don't believe. No matter how many times I tell myself, "you've got this!", deep down I still believe that I don't have this, and worse, that I am a failure. Jonathan Isaac's alternative to positive affirmations, therefore, really spoke to me:
The guys in our circle howled with laughter. I'm embarrassed to admit that I laughed along with them. I'm sure all of us were padding our stats to impress the guys next to us. I know I was. The last thing I wanted to do was come off as lame. But I was still stuck on what Semi said.
About the cacophony of tomfoolery, I turned toward him and asked, "Why?"
"I'm he Christian," he replied.
I respected Semi all the more as soon as the reason left his mouth, thinking back to my youth group desire to be authentic. I wasn't there yet. Frankly, I don't know if my life and headspace ever matched up to that desire. So not proud to say this, but I dove back into the lewd conversation. I was hellbent on experiencing what the NBA life had to offer, on and off the court. (pp 101-2).
If you're afraid, declare that God is with you (Psalm 118:6). If you're depressed about a situation or from a broken heart, remind yourself that God is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and weeping doesn't last forever! To me, reciting scripture is better than any positive statement about how amazing and capable I am. Scripture points me to how amazing and capable God is. (pp. 152-3, emphasis mine)Finally, this quote from the very last page of the book really hit me. Not only is it a powerful perspective I want to put into practice in my own life, but also it is a one-sentence summary of Isaac's entire journey as told in Why I Stand:
The presence of fear is just a sign to depend on something greater than yourself.
October 24, 2023
A beautiful first hand account of coming to faith in Jesus Christ and learning what it means to be a Jesus follower. JI is real and his story is an inspiration. Taking a stand for Jesus and what you believe in can be scary. We know this because Jesus tells us in his word (Mathew 10:16-20). But which is worse? Being rejected by mankind or by God (Matthew 10:33). Fear The Lord.
Why I Stand was written in response to JI’s refusal to kneel during the national anthem and refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine during the hight of the pandemic and politically charged climate. However, most of the book was JI’s testimony and memoir. It’s a story of finding your identity in Christ (a journey in itself). JI shares how through his relationship with Jesus Christ he was able to overcome many hardships and challenges such as a broken family, insecurities, absentee father, constant injuries, false narratives and accusations, access to vices, and fame.
JI is not a professional speaker or writer. Just a Hooper that is in love with Jesus. He is trying to figure it out just the same as you and me. We are no different. We all need love and grace and he has been an excellent vessel and mouthpiece. He has used his platform to share his faith. I am proud of you brother. I wish to do the same. Whatever God gives me I hope I use it well as a good and faithful steward. JI ends the book with a fitting verse from the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
I will end this review with a verse that sums it all up…and if applied would heal all of our societal wounds, dark history, and lack of grace that defines our current climate. Mark 12: 30-31-“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
Why I Stand was written in response to JI’s refusal to kneel during the national anthem and refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine during the hight of the pandemic and politically charged climate. However, most of the book was JI’s testimony and memoir. It’s a story of finding your identity in Christ (a journey in itself). JI shares how through his relationship with Jesus Christ he was able to overcome many hardships and challenges such as a broken family, insecurities, absentee father, constant injuries, false narratives and accusations, access to vices, and fame.
JI is not a professional speaker or writer. Just a Hooper that is in love with Jesus. He is trying to figure it out just the same as you and me. We are no different. We all need love and grace and he has been an excellent vessel and mouthpiece. He has used his platform to share his faith. I am proud of you brother. I wish to do the same. Whatever God gives me I hope I use it well as a good and faithful steward. JI ends the book with a fitting verse from the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 10:39 “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
I will end this review with a verse that sums it all up…and if applied would heal all of our societal wounds, dark history, and lack of grace that defines our current climate. Mark 12: 30-31-“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”
August 12, 2024
A nice testimony to God's ongoing work in JI's life. He doesn't shy away from past sin, but leans into God's gracious guidance in his life to change his desires and options towards godliness. I appreciate his wrestle with identity in God on and off the court.
p. 175: As I reviewed my own story, I realized it's been the love of God and people, seeing past my dysfunction, that has helped groom me into the man that I am becoming. Maybe if both black and white people could see their own faults and not just the faults in others, there could be change. Maybe the answer is loving someone past their moral failures because you've failed morally too. That was the message of love I experienced and wanted to share.
p. 204: I never would have imagined standing in front of millions of people, alone, for what I believed was right. Nor having the courage to preach to a congregation. It's not because I discovered some newfound confidence; it's that through the journey of God working in my life, He's proven Himself to be trustworthy. I'm not special; as you trust in Him, His love, power, and grace extend to all. No matter what your level of confidence is today, God's strength will develop in your weakness.
Once you accept that truth, you will grow to a point where standing alone is better than not standing at all. Then you'll discover, like I did, that you were never alone to begin with. You'll see that taking a leap of faith will inspire others to follow suit and give them the courage to stand up too. Being courageous doesn't mean you're not afraid. The presence of fear is just a sign to depend on something greater than yourself. Courage is found in trusting that God is greater than your fears.
....Everything I've been through along this journey hasn't been easy, but I promise you it's been worth it. Jesus said, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matt 10:39 NIV). I've been willing to leave my life behind and in the process, I've lived a life I never could've imagined. God wants the same for you.
p. 175: As I reviewed my own story, I realized it's been the love of God and people, seeing past my dysfunction, that has helped groom me into the man that I am becoming. Maybe if both black and white people could see their own faults and not just the faults in others, there could be change. Maybe the answer is loving someone past their moral failures because you've failed morally too. That was the message of love I experienced and wanted to share.
p. 204: I never would have imagined standing in front of millions of people, alone, for what I believed was right. Nor having the courage to preach to a congregation. It's not because I discovered some newfound confidence; it's that through the journey of God working in my life, He's proven Himself to be trustworthy. I'm not special; as you trust in Him, His love, power, and grace extend to all. No matter what your level of confidence is today, God's strength will develop in your weakness.
Once you accept that truth, you will grow to a point where standing alone is better than not standing at all. Then you'll discover, like I did, that you were never alone to begin with. You'll see that taking a leap of faith will inspire others to follow suit and give them the courage to stand up too. Being courageous doesn't mean you're not afraid. The presence of fear is just a sign to depend on something greater than yourself. Courage is found in trusting that God is greater than your fears.
....Everything I've been through along this journey hasn't been easy, but I promise you it's been worth it. Jesus said, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matt 10:39 NIV). I've been willing to leave my life behind and in the process, I've lived a life I never could've imagined. God wants the same for you.
January 30, 2025
Why I Stand By Johnathan Isaac (biography)
Meet Johnathan Isaac who is a former NBA player who did something so courageous that it blew the whole world's mind. He started off in a small city called the Bronx. He was born and raised there and basketball was a huge part of his life and their culture but another thing was that in his home there were only two big rules and those were being honest and sticking up for what you believe in and if they don't follow those rules they get beat.
What did he do? He stood up for the flag during the national anthem before the game while everyone else was sitting down and he started to get other people like fans,coaches and other players to do it as well and from that time on everyone does it no matter how big or small the situation.
Why did he do it? He did it because he was raised to do what he thought was right and that even if the people that you think are cool or that you think are good at something don’t do it, you still should. And this is one of those things that he thought was really important and he was right. The flag stands for freedom and independence and he stood for the flag when no one else would and that took a lot of courage to do that. But the thing is he had no shame or guilt he did it and was proud of it. Sometimes when we do something that is hard or takes courage we are ashamed or felt like we are going to get made fun of but Johnathan Isaac was courageous and did it anyways. I think
you should read this book because it can teach you about courage and being honest with yourself and he even talks about being in the NBA “ten seconds left in 4th quarter against the Milwaukee bucks down 2 my hearts beating as I take the ball up court I tried to past the ball in quickly to my center to get a layup to tie but he can't he's stuck with 4 seconds left he passes it out to be on the wing i have no choice but to take the shot I let the ball go flying through the air the stands are silent”(from the book)
Meet Johnathan Isaac who is a former NBA player who did something so courageous that it blew the whole world's mind. He started off in a small city called the Bronx. He was born and raised there and basketball was a huge part of his life and their culture but another thing was that in his home there were only two big rules and those were being honest and sticking up for what you believe in and if they don't follow those rules they get beat.
What did he do? He stood up for the flag during the national anthem before the game while everyone else was sitting down and he started to get other people like fans,coaches and other players to do it as well and from that time on everyone does it no matter how big or small the situation.
Why did he do it? He did it because he was raised to do what he thought was right and that even if the people that you think are cool or that you think are good at something don’t do it, you still should. And this is one of those things that he thought was really important and he was right. The flag stands for freedom and independence and he stood for the flag when no one else would and that took a lot of courage to do that. But the thing is he had no shame or guilt he did it and was proud of it. Sometimes when we do something that is hard or takes courage we are ashamed or felt like we are going to get made fun of but Johnathan Isaac was courageous and did it anyways. I think
you should read this book because it can teach you about courage and being honest with yourself and he even talks about being in the NBA “ten seconds left in 4th quarter against the Milwaukee bucks down 2 my hearts beating as I take the ball up court I tried to past the ball in quickly to my center to get a layup to tie but he can't he's stuck with 4 seconds left he passes it out to be on the wing i have no choice but to take the shot I let the ball go flying through the air the stands are silent”(from the book)
January 8, 2024
This book was so inspiring! So many of the mental challenges Jonathan Isaac dealt with I have struggled with as well, especially as a mom. I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy and trying to meet expectations that I have set for myself, only thinking I’m doing a good job when it appears so on the outside. As I read, I felt the need to apply some of the principles he talks about to my own life, such as the fact that change is a process that involves practice and patience, trusting in God involves actively putting Him first, and needing to accept that the best you put forth every day will be imperfect and there will be no disappointment in that.
As someone who has grown up religious and has my own relationship with God and Jesus Christ, I loved reading Isaac’s personal journey about finding Christ. It’s amazing to see how such a strong relationship with Him can instill such courage to stand up for one’s beliefs.
My only criticism is I felt like Isaac talked a little too much about COVID at the end; I didn’t feel like the amount of detail was relevant to the story. It honestly just seemed like an excuse to drive home a political message about COVID, and while I do admit that I agree with many of the points he made about it, it felt unnecessary.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I found it motivating and inspiring. I would recommend it to anyone that needs a little of that in their life, just simply wants to read a good story, or wants to know why the one guy who stood up did while everyone else knelt.
As someone who has grown up religious and has my own relationship with God and Jesus Christ, I loved reading Isaac’s personal journey about finding Christ. It’s amazing to see how such a strong relationship with Him can instill such courage to stand up for one’s beliefs.
My only criticism is I felt like Isaac talked a little too much about COVID at the end; I didn’t feel like the amount of detail was relevant to the story. It honestly just seemed like an excuse to drive home a political message about COVID, and while I do admit that I agree with many of the points he made about it, it felt unnecessary.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I found it motivating and inspiring. I would recommend it to anyone that needs a little of that in their life, just simply wants to read a good story, or wants to know why the one guy who stood up did while everyone else knelt.
September 5, 2023
Written in a very conversational style. It reads as if Isaac was talking to you.
It's a powerful story. He talks about his childhood, growing up in NYC, events that made him doubt his worth, how he found basketball, and the people who helped him get to where he is today.
Unlike autobiographies of some celebrities, he is honest about all the points in his life, even the parts that he looks bad in. There's a humility in his writing that I think is only found in someone who's following Christ, who knows he's a sinner.
I appreciated how often he shares the gospel, the Bible verses that helped him, and his continual reminder that he is weak but God is strong. He leaves people in no doubt that the Christian life is hard at times but we are never facing it alone.
He connected the dots of his story very well. From his feeling of worth tied to performance, how salvation set him free and yet he still struggled at times, repeating Bible verses to comfort himself but recognizing they aren't a talisman or guarantee of success.
I probably wouldn't agree with everything his church believes but I can appreciate his stand and the humility and consistency of his testimony. When it wasn't easy, he chose to follow God, not only in the public way of standing but also witnessing to teammates, changing his lifestyle, and confronting sin.
A refreshing read, especially if you are looking for an autobiography that is hopeful.
It's a powerful story. He talks about his childhood, growing up in NYC, events that made him doubt his worth, how he found basketball, and the people who helped him get to where he is today.
Unlike autobiographies of some celebrities, he is honest about all the points in his life, even the parts that he looks bad in. There's a humility in his writing that I think is only found in someone who's following Christ, who knows he's a sinner.
I appreciated how often he shares the gospel, the Bible verses that helped him, and his continual reminder that he is weak but God is strong. He leaves people in no doubt that the Christian life is hard at times but we are never facing it alone.
He connected the dots of his story very well. From his feeling of worth tied to performance, how salvation set him free and yet he still struggled at times, repeating Bible verses to comfort himself but recognizing they aren't a talisman or guarantee of success.
I probably wouldn't agree with everything his church believes but I can appreciate his stand and the humility and consistency of his testimony. When it wasn't easy, he chose to follow God, not only in the public way of standing but also witnessing to teammates, changing his lifestyle, and confronting sin.
A refreshing read, especially if you are looking for an autobiography that is hopeful.
December 11, 2022
Though primarily a book meant to lead readers to Christ, I really enjoyed the journey Jonathan Isaac took me on regarding his life and his reasons for opposing Black Lives Matter and the narrow vaccine messaging given during the pandemic. Since I admired his courage to literally stand up to that mob mentality, I wanted to see what his reasons were.
Only the last two chapters, out of a 10 chapter book, dealt with the controversies mentioned above. Everything else was a biography mixed with testimony as to how he grew from an incredibly insecure kid full of anxiety to a man committed to spreading God's love. I've been an atheist most of my life, but I've been more open to this sort of message in recent years because it sure beats the current secular mainstream take that the only way to be a good person is to bash someone else for supposedly being a bad one.
Issac does a great job of leaving basketball largely out of the writing and instead keeps it mostly about his growth as an individual in need of love and community. This acceptance he always yearned for he eventually found through his faith, but not without the help of a few key figures along the way.
I definitely recommend this read to anyone with an open mind and heart, especially those who are tired of the hurt and division experienced in their lives (for whatever reasons).
Only the last two chapters, out of a 10 chapter book, dealt with the controversies mentioned above. Everything else was a biography mixed with testimony as to how he grew from an incredibly insecure kid full of anxiety to a man committed to spreading God's love. I've been an atheist most of my life, but I've been more open to this sort of message in recent years because it sure beats the current secular mainstream take that the only way to be a good person is to bash someone else for supposedly being a bad one.
Issac does a great job of leaving basketball largely out of the writing and instead keeps it mostly about his growth as an individual in need of love and community. This acceptance he always yearned for he eventually found through his faith, but not without the help of a few key figures along the way.
I definitely recommend this read to anyone with an open mind and heart, especially those who are tired of the hurt and division experienced in their lives (for whatever reasons).
February 27, 2023
Takeaways from the book
Jonathan Isaac saw things as I did during the pandemic and social Justice issues of the last few years. Following mob mentality and thinking things will change by virtue signaling and wearing a shirt or posting a black square is a bunch of bs. It doesn’t take any courage to just do what everyone else is doing. It does take courage to take a stand and call out the lack of critical thinking and decision based on emotions not logic.
I appreciated Jonathan Isaac’s faith journey and feel it is relatable to what many of us go through even if we aren’t professional athletes. Some good things he said-
1) you cannot stand for God and God not stand for you.
2)don’t base your worth on other peoples opinions. Your value comes because you are a child of God.
3) you can’t hide from you.
4) love is not what you say but what you do
5) stand in truth. Truth will win in end.
I also appreciate the huge impact meaningful relationships can have on people. Jonathan became the person he is because of his Florida state coach and pastor who listened to him, challenged him, and held him accountable. Their mentoring was key to his development. Important to remember that God puts the right people in our lives at the right time
Jonathan Isaac saw things as I did during the pandemic and social Justice issues of the last few years. Following mob mentality and thinking things will change by virtue signaling and wearing a shirt or posting a black square is a bunch of bs. It doesn’t take any courage to just do what everyone else is doing. It does take courage to take a stand and call out the lack of critical thinking and decision based on emotions not logic.
I appreciated Jonathan Isaac’s faith journey and feel it is relatable to what many of us go through even if we aren’t professional athletes. Some good things he said-
1) you cannot stand for God and God not stand for you.
2)don’t base your worth on other peoples opinions. Your value comes because you are a child of God.
3) you can’t hide from you.
4) love is not what you say but what you do
5) stand in truth. Truth will win in end.
I also appreciate the huge impact meaningful relationships can have on people. Jonathan became the person he is because of his Florida state coach and pastor who listened to him, challenged him, and held him accountable. Their mentoring was key to his development. Important to remember that God puts the right people in our lives at the right time
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