By Peter Chow

WHO THE SON SETS FREE
OH IS FREE INDEED
I AM A CHILD OF GOD
YES I AM
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE
THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

Kate Spade…Anthony Bourdain….they seemed to have it all. Fame, riches, luxurious lifestyles…they have achieved everything they can get in life – so it seems. Even with all these achievements, both of them decided that life was not worth living anymore. Both died of suicide – most probably due to depression. How can someone who seemingly has so much and is looked upon as a gold standard in their industry not be satisfied with what they have? To the point that they would rather not live anymore?

Let’s take in comparison someone similar in the NBA – who also happens to be one of my favorite basketball players – Jeremy Lin. He has also achieved fame – Lin scored the most points (89) through his first 3 starts by ANY NBA player; more than Michael Jordon (74), Kobe Bryant (41), and Derrick Rose (55). During those 2 incredible weeks, he made it to the cover page of Sports Illustrated TWICE. Everyone in the world knew about Jeremy. He has earned his riches too – his latest contract of $38 million for 3 years. In these aspects, we can also measure Jeremy Lin’s achievements in life similarly to those of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain.

…..Except there is one difference – one BIG DIFFERENCE – he is living his life as a child of God. Recently in Hong Kong, Jeremy shared a very personal testimony about his career and what he thinks about it (https://www.facebook.com/194410404502078/videos/209589119650873/ and https://youtu.be/dBcxmsWvFqk). As it turns out, he felt that 95% of his career has been disappointing – if his career ended today, he would not have been very proud of it. Ever since those incredible 2 weeks in the beginning, Jeremy has had to deal with struggles on the court as well as many injuries. His latest injury, which he suffered during the first game of the season, has caused him to miss an entire season. With such devastating circumstances, Jeremy Lin could very well have given up; given up on his career…or worse yet, even given up on his life. But he did not – because he has a relationship with JESUS and he is living with joy, peace and rest. He is able to live his life as a child of God. To live it freely and fully to the point that God’s love is overflowing out of him. He said that Jesus’ love fills his cup – not only that but it’s also overflowing. And you can’t overflow if you don’t have enough for yourself.

Everyone will encounter lows and difficulties in life. It’s a fine line between choosing to give up or trusting in God. But what a big difference it is – once we choose the latter. So I bless each person who is reading this that God’s love will fill your cup and that it will overflow so that you can also be a blessing to others!