When Jeremy Lin Made the TIME 100 List

Jeremy Lin made the list. Our own Christian American Born Chinese is now one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 according to editors of TIME magazine. Whether you agree with the list, whether you voted for Jeremy’s inclusion or not, it is history to tell your friends!

Let us congratulate Jeremy and his family and give glory to God because it is 100% the work of God, and it is 100% of Jeremy’s effort.

Here is what Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, wrote in the TIME 100 issue about Jeremy Lin, Point Guard.

“Jeremy Lin's story is a great lesson for kids everywhere because it debunks and defangs so many of the prejudices and stereotypes that unfairly hold children back. He's dispelled the idea that Asian-American guards somehow couldn't hack it in the NBA — and that being a world-class athlete on the court is somehow at odds with being an excellent student off the court.

Contrary to what you might read, Jeremy, 23, is no overnight sensation. In fact, he achieved success the old-fashioned way: he earned it. He worked hard and stayed humble. He lives the right way; he plays the right way.

It's great to see good values rewarded in professional sports because that's not always the case. Often it's the bling, the glam, the individual that gets celebrated — not the team and working together to advance a goal bigger than oneself. Jeremy cares only about one thing — winning. And I don't care whether you are an Asian-American kid, white, black or Hispanic, Jeremy's story tells you that if you show grit, discipline and integrity, you too can get an opportunity to overcome the odds.”

Duncan has many good points, but I am still disappointed at his failure to mention miracle and God that Jeremy himeself so often talked about. Nevertheless, I accept that each person has his/her own perspective and opinion.

How about you? How do you feel about Jeremy’s success? What do you think? How has all these news affected you and your relationship with your child?

Since February, I have heard many stories from OBC and ABC. Some see Jeremy as an inspiration, saying, “If he can do it, so can I (or my child). There is hope.” Others feel additional pressure and lamented, “This is unreal. My parents now want me to go to Harvard AND play basketball in the NBA. I just want to give up” or “My child is just lazy. I am helpless. Sigh.”

I believe there are great lessons for us to learn as parents and children. Jeremy always loves playing basketball and he knows very well that it is God who made him tall and strong, and gave him opportunities. He sets priority and focuses on living his life by the grace and timing of God. His parents encourage and help as much as they could, instilling their values and convinction. Even though things did not always make sense, Jeremy continued to work hard towards his goal and he was ready to seize opportunities.

Everything is in God’s control. Yet we have to do our part. For example, Queen Esther risked her life when challenged by her uncle, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Interestingly, when Tim Tebow (24), Quarterback made the list, it is Lin who wrote the essay in TIME 100 on his fellow Christian athlete. I find the following essay pretty revealing about Jeremy's own value system and belief.

“Watching Tim Tebow play football, you can observe many things about his character. You see his fierce competitiveness, his strong work ethic and how he is a leader that his teammates trust and respect.

But it is the qualities that Tim, 24, embodies in his life off the field that truly set him apart. He is unashamed of his convictions and faith, and he lives a life that consistently reflects his values, day in and day out. Through his foundation, he constantly reaches out to people and communities in need of hope. He realizes what he has been blessed with and seeks to help those who are worse off. As athletes, we pour our hearts into winning games. Tim is a reminder that life is about much more than that.”

When Jeremy made the list, I feel proud because he has lived out his potential as a follower of Christ. Even though he faces temptation and has struggles and weaknesses like the rest of us, Jeremy has returned to Christ. I need to look beyond the ups and downs of daily life and trust God moment by moment.

Since I asked you to vote for Jeremy, I want to share my excitement and gratefulness with you. Please continue to pray for Lin, Tebow, and other young people to follow Christ. When we are in the world but not of the world, we are being salt and light of this world.

Please give me feedback by filling in the blanks below.

When Jeremy Lin Made the 2012 TIME 100 List,

I feel __________________________________,

I think _________________________________,

I need _________________________________,

And I am going to do ______________________

and say ________________________________

to my child (or spouse) so that I can help him/her constructively

instead of tearing him/her apart destructively.

If you write me by midnight (PST) Thursday, May 10th, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a zero-cost 30-minute phone coaching session on couples or parent-child relationship.

May God bless you and your family!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Want to reprint this article? No problem! Just make sure you include a complete attribution and, whenever possible, a live link to our website. Please notify Winnis where and when the material will appear. The attribution should include this information:

Winnis Chiang, LMFT and Founder of ParentingABC.com, specializes in helping Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking high-tech Christian parents to get along with, enjoy, influence and equip their American-born Chinese children.