Arise

Clayton Kershaw

Description

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is best known for the curveball Vin Scully dubbed "Public Enemy Number One." But Clayton sees his ability to throw a baseball as just one way he lives out his passion for God. In Arise, he teams up with his wife, Ellen, to share what they have learned about making a difference in the world while living out one's God-given dreams. Long before Clayton began his pro baseball career, he and Ellen made a commitment to live out their faith in Christ by giving to others--and they see their success on and off the field as blessings to be shared with those who are hurting most.

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie

Informations

• Publié par: Baker Publishing Group
• Date de parution: 05 janvier 2012
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781441266491
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

P RAISE FOR A RISE
At Fellowship of Christian Athletes, our core values are integrity, teamwork, excellence and serving. As athletes and people who care for others, Clayton and Ellen have risen to the challenge and live out these values. Their story shows they are champions whom young people can follow.
D AN B RITTON
Senior Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes
I believe that the more clearly we see God, the more joyfully we serve others for the sake of the gospel. Clayton and Ellen have clearly seen God in the person and work of Jesus, and they are joyfully serving others as a result. Clayton and Ellen’s humility is evident in the way they treat others, the way they invest their time, and the way they serve. Clayton and Ellen have taken the teachings of Jesus to heart, and they’re making a difference. Read their story and find out how you can as well.
B RANDON C ASH
Pastor of Oceanside Christian Fellowship, El Segundo, California Chaplain of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw has moved from good to great, both on and off the field. He and his wife, Ellen, have just scratched the surface of what they can become, and they challenge us to also reach much higher limits in our own lives.
O REL H ERSHISER
1988 NL Cy Young Award Winner and World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher
I have been inspired by the passion that Ellen and Clayton share for Zambia. The children and the bleak living conditions have left a lasting impression on them, and it is incredible to notice the Lord stirring in their hearts to make a difference. Partnering with the Kershaws is a joy. I’ve seen their love for Africa grow, and I thank God for the privilege of working together to impact the children that Arise Africa strives to help.
A LISSA H OLLIMON
President and Co-founder of Arise Africa
Sure, Clayton led the National League in wins last year and even won the pitching triple crown, and that’s all great … but what’s greater still are the thousands of life-changing wins he and his wife, Ellen, get to enjoy every day through their work with Arise Africa. We’ve got to grow more Clayton Kershaws—not just for the future of baseball, but also for the future of the world. God bless them!
F RANK P ASTORE
KKLA Radio Show Host, Author and Retired Major League Pitcher
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw are the kind of young people that our world needs to see. This book gives unique insight into their lives of baseball and impact in Africa. It invites the readers into their world through stories of growing up and finding satisfaction in the things they love the most. The greatest contribution a ballplayer can make isn’t on the field; it’s in the lives of those he meets—although it does add to his appeal if he also leads the league in strikeouts. That kind of performance allows me the best seat in the house.
V IN S CULLY
Hall of Fame Sportscaster and the Legendary Voice of the Dodgers
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw’s heart for God and for children is truly inspirational. I love seeing people who are extraordinarily gifted use their platform for good … especially when they are giving glory to God while doing so. Clayton and Ellen are such individuals! Prepare to be inspired.
R EBECCA S T. J AMES
Singer, Author and Actress
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw are two young people who see that life is not about paychecks and status, but rather life’s greatest joy is found in relationships with Jesus Christ and people. As the Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton could just live his life focused on his career and all the perks that come with it, but instead he is committed to using his influence to help others. In this honest and easy-to-read book, you will be inspired, encouraged and motivated to give every aspect of your life to honor God.
P HILIP AND H OLLY W AGNER
Pastors of Oasis Church Los Angeles and Authors
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw have given us a powerful gift with Arise . Their journey of faith is so hopeful and inspiring. But Arise does more than just inspire; it sets the table for us to live beyond ourselves and pursue God’s calling in our lives. This is a much needed call to a life of authentic faith for our time!
J UD W ILHITE
Author of Torn and Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

© 2011 Clayton and Ellen Kershaw
Published by Bethany House Publishers 11400 Hampshire Avenue South Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan. www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Bethany House Publishers edition published 2014
ISBN 978-1-4412-6649-1
Previously published by Regal Books
Ebook edition originally created 2011
Ebook corrections 02.11.2016
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Other version used is ESV— Scripture taken from the English Standard Version, Copyright © 2001. The ESV and English Standard Version are trademarks of Good News Publishers.
All photos © 2011 the Kershaw family library, except photo #7, by Gail and Laura Schultz; photos #21, #22, #23 and #26, by Juan Ocampo, Los Angeles Dodgers; photo #25, by John SooHoo, Los Angeles Dodgers; and photos #30 and #31 by Edmonson Photography. Used with permission.
D EDICATION
Written with love and gratitude for our family and friends. This is your story, too, and it wouldn’t be the same without you. We love you.
To Hope, and the children who share a story that is similar to hers. You have inspired our lives more than you will ever know.
And to young readers who have big dreams that are worth chasing. We are on that journey with you.
C ONTENTS
Cover
Praise for Arise
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Foreword by A.J. Ellis, Catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Introduction
1. One in a Million
2. When Your Purpose Gets Put on Hold
3. Who Am I?
4. When It’s Time to Go
5. Our God Is the Great King
6. Our God Is a Great Friend
7. Growing Up Together
8. Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours
9. Grace for the Humble
10. Family’s What You Make It
11. The Pursuit of Passion
12. That Can’t Be Right
13. Welcome to the Minor Leagues
14. By the Grace of God, I Am What I Am
15. Daring to Be Different
16. Every Beginning Is a Struggle
17. Growing Up Apart
18. The Most Ridiculous Feeling in the World
19. Welcome to the Major Leagues
20. “Man, Pujols Is GOOD”
21. He Must Become Greater; I Must Become Less
22. The Mercy of Remembering You’re Not Everything
23. Twenty-one and in the Playoffs
24. That They Would See the Lord
25. Draw Near to God
26. Work at It with All Your Heart
27. Already but Not Yet
28. Every Exit Is Blocked
29. Breathing Life into Our Prayers
30. When Passions Collide
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Writer
Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw’s Challenge
F OREWORD
By A.J. Ellis, Catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. PROVERBS 27:17
The day after Clayton starts a game, long before the gates open and fans enter the stadium, he’s already at work preparing for the next start. The fact that he’s out there, ready to go the day, after isn’t unique—most starting pitchers have a routine between starts. Weight lifting, conditioning and a throwing schedule are the norm. In fact, because most starters strictly follow this routine, they are considered stubborn, detailed and even superstitious. The ones who take it to the extreme are called crazy. Clayton is downright insane.
I know this firsthand, because I try to keep up with him the day after he starts. Meeting on the field, we run together, from foul pole to foul pole, at various intervals, lengths and speeds. We challenge and push each other, but honestly, I’m just trying to keep up with him. Because of who Kersh is, both on and off the field, he unintentionally sets the bar so high that my goal of simply keeping up is admirable. I know that if I can keep up with him, I’ll improve—and more than just getting better at baseball.
I look forward to these post start runs because it’s quiet time together. We share rare moments away from the clutter and commotion of the clubhouse and find space to talk about everything. We talk about the start he had the night before—how he felt, what pitches were working, the way he attacked certain hitters. We talk about the team and how we’re playing, where we are in the standings, and things we can do to help secure a win. Finally, and most importantly, we talk about life. We remind each other of Scripture or talk about our weekly Bible study led by team chaplin Brandon Cash.
There are unique trials and temptations for Christians in professional baseball. With Kersh, I feel free to talk about the fears, doubts and struggles I’m facing. He does the same. We can talk about the strain baseball puts on family and how much our wives sacrifice for us to chase this game. I tell him about life as a baseball-playing father and the change that brings. He tells me about growing up in a single-parent home in Texas and the challenges that came with it. We offer advice and hold one another accountable. And when the run ends, we get ready for that night’s game.
After the run is over, Clayton’s insanity continues. He’s not just passionate about being a great pitcher; he’s passionate about being a grea