Underdog or Just Prepared?

Making the most out of every opportunity; that's what life is about. You may not be blessed with talent but hardwork is the key to success. As it goes, hardwork beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Amidst all uncertainty, you have to be ready to grab that opportunity and never let it go. It's your time to shine. 

Linsanity

Life isn't fair. Oftentimes, talent edges hardwork. Critics harshly judge the up-and-coming superstars. Equality isn't made possible because of binaries. Yes, those are the things that Jeremy Lin has faced throughout his life; a life filled with his share of ups and a ton of lows.

Jeremy Lin was a Harvard economics graduate who coincidently led the Harvard Crimson to its best record in school history during his senior year. Lin is a mix of sheer intelligence, a great work ethic, and humility. A stereotypical athlete has none of the three. Oftentimes, they heavily rely on their talent to get by. They never work hard because they've always gotten away with everything- academics and rigorous training. They are never humble because they always think they're the greatest. They are proud by the fact that they have accomplished everything by themselves and how they wanted to.

Look where are they now...

Jeremy Lin's story is the greatest story during this lockout-shortened NBA season. Who would have expected a regular and undrafted joe from Harvard to turn around the most famous NBA franchise? Who would have thought that an Asian-American could make a huge impact in the game of basketball? Who would have thought that an undrafted player would lead his team to a seven game winning streak minus the team's two star players?

Nobody.

Linsanity, as many of his fans call it, has lit up the bright lights and reenergized the crowd over at the Madison Square Garden. With every dazzling lay-up and alley-oop pass, the crowd goes ecstatic. After every dramatic win, a comeback against the Nets, a career-high 38 points against the Lakers, and the game-winning three-pointer against the Raptors, Linsanity grows larger than life.

To be honest, I thought that New Jersey game was just a coincidence; a man who made the most out of the opportunity. Turns out, I was wrong. Jeremy Lin is doing a Tom Brady and a Tim Tebow in his constant struggle to fight critics and he like all the great football players mentioned above, have proven them wrong.

Lin wasn't the most talented nor was the best player but I can assure you he was the hardest worker. He consistently worked his tail-end off not only to prove his doubters wrong but to be a pleasing instrument to God. He was once quoted saying, "I'm not working hard  and practicing day in and day out so that I can please other people. My audience is God."  That goes to show his humility and his submissiveness that everything comes from Him and he is simply just repaying.

Like Brady and Tebow, Jeremy Lin has a great mind- a psychological asset which sets him apart from many of the players today. He is mentally tough- never giving up on any obstacle. Strong enough to remain confident amidst all failure and disappointment. Hopeful enough to shine when given an opportunity. Jeremy Lin will NOT give up this opportunity. This is the time that he has been waiting for- his lifelong dream.

Linsanity will continue if Jeremy Lin continues what he's doing. He won't win all the games on the basketball court but he has won all of us over with his talent, grittiness, hardwork, dedication, and humility. He has overcame the most difficult part of his life and now just laughs it off. He gives us hope; a hope to succeed and never give up amidst any situation.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

"The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. 

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