Jeremy Lin Focusing on God and the Game, Blocks Critics
Instead of paying attention to the public debate about his abilities, fame, and unfair treatment, Jeremy Lin says he's focusing on God.
"I'm thankful for all the experiences because I think through it all, I've been able to really just tune everybody out, the good and the bad, and I think the one thing that I can hold onto is I feel like I did things the way God would want me to do things," the 27-year-old Charlotte Hornets point guard told the Charlotte Observer. "... I try to hold myself and live with high character in a way that God would be proud."
Since getting his big break with the New York Knicks in 2012, Lin's rise to fame seemed to take on a life of its own which was named "Linsanity." Four years ago, Lin managed to become the first player in NBA history to put up numbers of at least 20 points and seven assists in each of his first four starting games.
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He also made history in his first week starting for an NBA team as the second-highest scoring player in league history over a period of four game starts. Years later, it has been hard for Lin to live up to the immense spotlight placed on him after shifting from the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and finally landing with the Hornets.
Earlier this year, Lin told the Los Angeles Times that he "reset" his mindstate during the All-Star game, which has him playing with a "free mind." Most importantly, Lin is reaffirming his reason for playing, win or lose.
"It's like while I'm playing, I'm reminding myself that regardless of the results, just play, play for God," he said. "It seems very basic, but when you care a lot about the game, you really care about the results, obviously."
Lin told the Los Angeles Times in February 2015 that in the past he put an immense amount of pressure on himself to perform well.
"When I was a rookie, I put myself through mental torment. I can't do that anymore," Lin said. "So now I'm just growing more as a person spiritually and just learning to surrender it all. It gives me a lot of peace, man."
For the basketball star, it is important to remain focused on God's approval while playing basketball.
During his interview with the Charlotte Observer back in April, Lin added: "I'm not perfect. I've made many mistakes. But that's what I try to put my effort towards: playing and living in a way where if God looked at me, he'd say, 'Wow, I'm proud of you,'""So that's the ultimate approval I could get is God's, versus a reporter's or a coach's."
