First and Goal by Jake Byrne Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football but, at age 14, found out he had type 1 diabetes - determined, he persevered. 'First And Goal', written by Jake and his mother, Holly Michael, is a collection of 90 devotionals. Each titled alphabetically with a football term, and relating a personal experience from his journey to the NFL, enhanced by a related scripture which the reader can apply to his/her own situation. It will appeal to both youth and adults, male and female. I enjoyed reading Jake's story, and was inspired by his courage, determination, and faith. He currently works in Dallas, and has a blog to "educate and encourage others, especially diabetic youth, to be active and achieve goals - regardless of what life throws at them". 

Following are excerpts from 2 of the devotionals:

TWO MINUTE WARNING (A stop in the game clock, 2 minutes before each half. Normally results in a TV commercial.):

Jack relates his first year of tackle football, as a 3rd grader, and in his awkward chubby stage. Constantly being yelled at because of his mistakes, he hated football - yet his father forced him to complete the season. Just as the 2 minute warning is a time for the team to regroup, he needed 2 years to regroup and decide if he would continue the sport. Two years later, when his friend encouraged him to sign up for youth football because of his size, and knowing all his friends would be playing - he decides to try it again. It was the right decision and time.

When pushing oneself, or being pushed by another, and it doesn't work out - he urges that it not be counted as a failure. "Is there anything that you gave up on because of poor results, thinking you weren't good at it? Have you given it a season of rest? Maybe it's time to try again."

(There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1)

EXTRA POINT (After a touchdown, the offense has a chance to kick the ball through the goal posts to earn an extra point, which is also known as the point after touchdown or PAT.): 

Lying in her hospital bed, the doctor confirmed what Holly Michael already knew - she was miscarrying. She argued with, and questioned, God. Why would He take her first child? A nurse entered the room and encouraged her to "always have hope", leaving without physically examining her. Considering the cramps and huge loss of blood, hope seemed useless. Yet, contemplating the nurse's encouraging word, Holly realized hope meant giving one's trials to God, and trusting the outcome to Him. Obstacles can prevent an extra point after a touchdown, yet an attempt is made. Scared and sad, Holly made an attempt by giving her situation to Him - dedicating the baby to Him in prayer, trusting Him for the outcome, and understanding that a miscarriage would be His decision. Immediately after, she was filled with a peace, bleeding ceased, and the baby was okay! Hearing the baby's heartbeat, for the first time, brought her to tears, also surprised looks from the medical staff - she never again saw the nurse who had comforted her.

A few months later, looking into her newborn's eyes for the first time, he stared at her with what she can only describe as "wisdom from heaven", cooed, then just as suddenly, his gaze switched to one of an innocent newborn. She knew from that moment, God had big plans for Jake's life. "Like the football soaring into the end zone for the extra point, hope - rising up to heaven - always brings the best results. It's never pointless." (You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you. Psalm 71: 5-6.) 

Quotes taken from 'First And Goal' (Jake Byrne and Holly Michael, Harvest House Publishers), and Jake Byrne's blog: www.typewon.net

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of this new devotional this week. Currently #1 in Teen Devotions on Amazon!Leave a comment to enter!

First and Goal by Jake Byrne--Interview with Holly Michael: Overcoming Diabetes

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:

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 Byrne and mother, author Holly Michael

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. Jake Byrne grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. A type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, he has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger. Currently, Jake and his wife, Emma, live in Dallas and have two dogs –Yeti, the Great Dane, and Duke, the Dogo Argentino.

GIVEAWAY:  A paperback copy of First and Goal by Jake Byrne and Holly Michael, or you may choose an ebook format.