First and Goal by Jake Byrne |
Welcome, Holly! Holly Michael is the co-author of this book by her son, Jake Byrne, a young professional
football player. Holly will share about dealing with Juvenile onset
Diabetes.
Holly's interview:
Back Cover Blurb:
Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have
had to overcome, with God's help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance
one of your characters has had to get past?
Jake’s mom here, speaking for both
of us. One of the most difficult things that Jake and I had to go through was
his diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. He was
fourteen and had a starting spot on his high school varsity football team as
well as early interest from college scouts. Neither of us knew anything about the
disease. I had only known one other
person with Type 1 Diabetes, a classmate, and he died young from diabetes
complications. This was new and very scary territory for both of us.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
In this situation, definitely Jeremiah
29:11 “For I know the plans
I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jake and I spoke about God’s plans for
him during those days while we learned about diabetes. We were told his
pancreas longer worked and he would be insulin dependent for the rest of his
life. Tough news to take, but early on Jake determined that he wasn’t going to
let diabetes take him out of the game of football and that he would still focus
on his goals and dreams. But diabetes meant a major lifestyle change for Jake.
His endocrinologist assured him he could still play football if he did
everything right. Controlling his blood sugar and acting as his own pancreas by
injecting the correct amounts of insulin was no easy task for a teenage boy.
I’d heard the horror stories. I worried he would go too low in the night and
not wake up. Once, during a college football game, playing for the University
of Wisconsin, I watched him go down on the field. I could do nothing from my
living room. I paced the room, praying, until I finally got a text back from my
daughter who was at the game, watching. Leg cramps, she said.
What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get
from your book First and Goal – What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up.
And why?
Jake and I wrote First and Goal for
those who are struggling to overcome challenges in their lives. He wanted to
encourage kids and adults as well to never give up. First and Goal is fun and inspirational read.
Jake shares his faith through his professional and personal journey, giving God
the glory through Scriptures that tie in with the stories and football terms.
As one reviewer put it, “You
don't have to play – or even like – football, to enjoy Jake's story. Full of
truth and wisdom, and sprinkled with lots of scripture, Jake encourages all who
read his story to live for God, giving all to Him and not feeling defeated
during the rough times.”
As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly
touched your heart?
Jake and I worked together on this
project, which was a sheer delight. I enjoyed our time together through
personal time, Skype, and phone calls during his football season. The very
short stories came from Jake. We researched Scripture to find fitting Bible
passages for each of the situations and football terms. God’s Hand was really
in it as it came together so beautifully.
In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy,
or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
Jake has an autoimmune disease and
anyone with any disability or disease will enjoy this inspiring and encouraging
devotional. The short reads are perfect for daily inspiration. Jake is a real
overcomer and I think anyone who reads this book will come away inspired and
filled with hope.
Back Cover Blurb:
Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had
the size, the talent, the drive...but at age 14, he found out he also had type
1 diabetes.
Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was
determined to guide and empower him all along the way.
Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this
collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms.
Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal
line. You'll feel as if you're lined up next to him, facing a very large
defender you're about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up
each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You'll discover...
* what to do when God calls an audible in your life
* how to respond when God puts you on special teams
* why prayer is never an incomplete pass
These quick daily readings will help you press through your
own difficulties and experience God's dream for you.
Jake Byrne |
Jake blogs at www.typewon.net
He can be reached through the following social media:
Facebook Page (Type Won): www.facebook.com/typewon1
Twitter: @sugarfreejb82
Instagram: Jakebyrne81
Email: typewonquestions@gmail.com
First and Goal, published through Harvest House Publishers,
can be purchased at many books stores and online booksellers. Link for Book at
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FAYKo8
Also on Barnes and Noble.
Emma and Jake Byrne |
Jake’s and Holly’s new release is First and Goal – What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up.
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of First and Goal by Jake Byrne and Holly Michael, or you may choose an ebook format.