{"id":35837,"date":"2025-05-07T01:05:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T01:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christianpure.com\/?p=35837"},"modified":"2025-07-15T12:07:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T12:07:30","slug":"jehovahs-witnesses-nba-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christianpure.com\/nl\/learn\/jehovahs-witnesses-nba-players\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoeveel Jehovah's getuigen zitten er in de NBA?"},"content":{"rendered":"
This entry is part 5 of 38 in the series Jehovah's Getuigen begrijpen<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

Living Your Faith Out Loud: Jehovah\u2019s Witness Players in the NBA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever stopped to think about where faith shows up in our world? Sometimes, we expect to see it just in churches or quiet moments of prayer. But God works in amazing and unexpected ways, even in the bright lights and fast pace of professional sports! It might seem like an unlikely mix \u2013 the high-stakes world of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a deep, personal faith.\u00b9 Yet, right there on the court, amidst the roar of the crowd, are powerful stories of athletes living out their beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, we\u2019re going to explore the inspiring journeys of NBA players who are Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses. Their stories show us that you can pursue excellence in your career while staying true to your spiritual path.\u00b9 It\u2019s a beautiful reminder that no matter where you are or what you do, you can let your light shine and live a life that honors God. Get ready to be encouraged!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many NBA players are known to be Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be wondering just how many players in the demanding world of the NBA share this specific faith. Although the bright lights often focus on scores and stats, the spiritual lives of players are a powerful part of their journey. The exact number isn\u2019t huge listen to this: there\u2019s what\u2019s called a \u201cnoteworthy number\u201d of current and former NBA players identified as Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses.\u00b9 Isn\u2019t that something?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The names you\u2019ll hear most often are Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon.\u00b9 These incredible men have navigated the pressures of professional basketball while holding fast to their beliefs, showing us all what it means to live with conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a quick look at these inspiring players:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Player<\/th>Birthdate<\/th>NBA Career<\/th>positie<\/th>Key Teams<\/th>Noteworthy Faith Connection<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Danny Granger<\/td>April 20, 1983<\/td>2005-2015<\/td>Small Forward<\/td>Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat<\/td>Known for maintaining his strong faith throughout his All-Star career.1<\/td><\/tr>
Darren Collison<\/td>August 23, 1987<\/td>2009-2019, 2021-2022<\/td>Point Guard<\/td>New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, Kings<\/td>Retired unexpectedly in 2019 to focus on faith and volunteer ministry.1<\/td><\/tr>
Dewayne Dedmon<\/td>August 12, 1989<\/td>2013-2023<\/td>Center<\/td>Warriors, 76ers, Magic, Spurs, Hawks, Kings, Heat, Lakers<\/td>Identified as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness; faced unique challenges early on.1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although these three stand out in recent conversations, let\u2019s not forget others, like former player Dave Meyers (drafted #2 overall way back in 1975!), who also embraced the faith later in his life.\u00b3 Their presence is a beautiful testimony that integrating deep spiritual commitment with a high-profile athletic career is absolutely possible. It adds a unique and inspiring perspective to the diverse world of the NBA.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who are these players and what are their stories?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get to know these inspiring athletes a little better! Their journeys are unique, each one a special story they share a wonderful common thread: faith guiding their steps, both on the basketball court and off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Danny Granger:<\/strong> Oh, Indiana Pacers fans surely remember Danny Granger! What a fantastic nine-season career he had, mostly shining as a small forward.\u00b9 He even reached the heights of being an NBA All-Star in 2009!4 Throughout his time lighting up the scoreboard for teams like the Pacers, Clippers, and Heat, Granger was known for his strong faith as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness.\u00b9 He openly lived his beliefs, showing everyone that you can achieve excellence at the highest level of professional sports while living a life dedicated to your faith.\u00b9 His career is a beautiful example of blending personal conviction with professional success.\u00b9 What an encouragement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Darren Collison:<\/strong> Darren Collison\u2019s story really made people stop and think! He was such a talented point guard, playing for ten seasons with several teams, including the Hornets, Pacers, Mavericks, Clippers, and Kings.\u0081 He even led the whole league in three-point percentage one season!5 But then, in 2019, right when many thought he was at the top of his game, Collison made a surprising announcement: he was retiring.\u0081 Why, you ask? He felt a powerful calling to dedicate more time to his precious family and his deep faith as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness. He wanted to focus more on volunteer ministry work, helping others.\u0081 Think about that \u2013 stepping away from potential multi-million dollar contracts! It truly showed how incredibly important his spiritual beliefs were in his life choices.\u0081 Though he briefly returned later, his initial retirement stands as a powerful example of putting faith first.\u0081 That takes real courage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dewayne Dedmon:<\/strong> Dewayne Dedmon\u2019s journey into the NBA is just remarkable, friend. Playing as a center, he\u2019s been a valuable player for numerous teams over his ten-season career, including the Warriors, 76ers, Magic, Spurs, Hawks, Kings, Heat, and Lakers.\u00b9 What makes his story so special? Well, because of his mother\u2019s devout Jehovah\u2019s Witness faith and her initial concerns about him playing organized sports, he didn\u2019t even start playing basketball until he was 18 years old and a senior in high school!7 Can you imagine starting that late and still reaching the NBA? Dedmon, who is also identified as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness, showed incredible determination and resilience.\u00b9 His path demonstrates amazing adaptability and a strong will to chase his dreams while navigating his faith background.\u00b9 What a testament to perseverance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These players, each walking their own unique path, show us the diverse and wonderful ways faith can intersect with a demanding NBA career. They add such depth and richness to the world of professional sports.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did Darren Collison retire early?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Darren Collison\u2019s decision to retire back in 2019 really sent ripples through the NBA world. Here he was, just 31 years old, playing great basketball with the Indiana Pacers, and everyone expected him to sign a big, lucrative contract \u2013 maybe worth $10 to $12 million a year!6 So why would he walk away from all that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his own heartfelt words, shared in a letter to The Undefeated, Collison explained it so beautifully.\u0081 He said, \u201cAlthough I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me\u201d.\u0081 Isn\u2019t that powerful?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He went on to share that he found a joy that was simply \u201cunmatched\u201d in volunteering, in helping others, and taking part in the worldwide ministry connected to his faith.\u0081 He felt this deep desire, this calling, to do more to help those less fortunate. He realized that the intense focus needed for an NBA career was limiting his ability to pursue this calling as fully as his heart desired.\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His retirement came suddenly and surprised so many people, even his own teammates who had no idea it was coming.\u00b9\u00b3 His teammate Thaddeus Young mentioned talking about free agency with Collison right before the announcement, with no hint of retirement plans.\u00b9\u00b3 Another teammate, Myles Turner, who had even attended some Jehovah\u2019s Witness meetings with Collison to show support, was also surprised but expressed happiness for his friend\u2019s decision.\u00b9\u00b3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collison\u2019s choice was such a powerful statement about his priorities. He chose to pour his time and energy into his spiritual convictions and his family life. He stepped away from the spotlight, the fame, the fortune, to pursue what brought him the deepest sense of fulfillment and joy.\u0081 It\u2019s truly a moving example of someone living out their faith, even when it means making choices that seem unconventional or require great sacrifice. What an inspiration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Dewayne Dedmon\u2019s unique faith story?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dewayne Dedmon\u2019s path to the NBA is truly one-of-a-kind, and it\u2019s deeply woven with his family\u2019s faith. Growing up in Lancaster, California, Dewayne was raised by his wonderful mother, Gail Lewis, a devout Jehovah\u2019s Witness.\u0081\u00b7 Because of her strong religious beliefs, she felt that getting involved in organized sports might distract him from his spiritual devotion, so she didn\u2019t want him to play.\u0081\u00b7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you imagine being tall and athletic, seeing other kids playing games being guided down a different path? While most kids might know all the sports stats, young Dewayne was becoming well-versed in scripture.\u00b9\u0081\u00b7 For years, he honored his mother\u2019s wishes.\u00b9\u0081\u00b7 But then, after turning 18, already standing a towering 6-foot-8, Dewayne made the difficult decision. He chose to exercise his right as an adult and pursue basketball, even though his mother still had concerns.\u0081\u00b7 It wasn\u2019t easy, friend. His mother even sought help from church elders, hoping they could gently guide him back.\u0081\u00b8 But Dewayne, who had been the \u201cman of the house\u201d since his father passed away when he was just a young boy, stood firm in his decision.\u0081\u00b8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He joined his high school team as a senior he hardly got to play.\u0081\u00b8 His mother hoped this would lead him back fully to his religious activities Dewayne\u2019s incredible, unlikely journey was just beginning.\u0081\u00b8 He went on to play at Antelope Valley College and then the prestigious USC before, against all odds, making his way into the NBA even after going undrafted.\u0081\u00b7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources identify Dewayne himself as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness.\u00b9 His story isn\u2019t just about starting basketball late; it\u2019s about navigating complex family relationships and deeply held religious beliefs. He had to take a \u201cleap of faith\u201d in more ways than one \u2013 chasing a dream while respecting the foundations of his upbringing.\u0081\u00b8 Though he might sometimes wonder what could have been if he\u2019d started earlier, Dewayne believes his disciplined religious upbringing helped instill maturity and a strong work ethic.\u0081\u00b8 What a journey! It shows incredible perseverance and the strength to forge your own path while carrying the values you were raised with.\u00b9 God works in mysterious ways!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses teach about playing professional sports?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to sports, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses, guided by timeless Bible principles, have a wonderfully balanced perspective. They see the good things about sports but also offer some gentle cautions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the bright side, the Bible itself says that \u201cphysical exercise is beneficial\u201d 20 (that\u2019s from 1 Timothy 4:8). Playing sports is seen as a fantastic way to stay active and healthy \u2013 much better than just sitting around!20 Plus, it can teach such valuable lessons like teamwork, cooperation, communication, and the self-discipline needed to play by the rules.\u00b2\u0081 Did you know the Bible even uses sports analogies, like runners in a race showing self-control, to teach positive points?\u00b2\u0081 And let\u2019s not forget, sports can be a fun way to build friendships and connect with others.\u00b2\u0081 The Bible tells us one of the fruits of God\u2019s spirit is \u201cjoy,\u201d and enjoying healthy recreation is considered perfectly normal and natural.\u00b2\u00b9 That\u2019s good news!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are potential pitfalls they wisely warn about.\u00b2\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kind of sport matters. Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses are advised to steer clear of sports that are inherently violent.\u00b2\u0081 They point to Psalm 11:5, which says God \u201chates anyone who loves violence.\u201d Think about boxing, where the main goal is to harm the opponent \u2013 that\u2019s given as an example. This caution isn\u2019t just about playing violent sports even watching them, because the scripture condemns loving violence.\u00b2\u0081 There\u2019s also a sensible concern about the risk of injury, especially in highly competitive or dangerous sports.\u00b2\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

hoe<\/em> you play is so important. While competition is naturally part of many games, a \u201cwin-at-all-costs\u201d attitude is discouraged.\u00b2\u0081 The Bible encourages humility, telling Christians to \u201cdo nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism with humility consider others superior to you\u201d (Philippians 2:3).\u00b2\u0081 The focus should always be on enjoyment and good sportsmanship, rather than letting rivalry or pride take over.\u00b2\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

hoeveel<\/em> time you spend playing (or even watching) is crucial.\u00b2\u0081 Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses emphasize putting spiritual matters first \u2013 making \u201cgodly devotion\u201d the priority because it \u201cholds promise of the life now and that which is to come,\u201d while \u201cbodily training is beneficial for a little\u201d 21 (that\u2019s from 1 Timothy 4:7, 8). They are encouraged to \u201cmake sure of the more important things\u201d (Philippians 1:10).\u00b2\u0081 Spending too much time on sports, whether playing or watching, could take away from precious family responsibilities, spiritual activities, or other important duties.\u00b2\u0081 One Witness shared a wise reminder from his mother: the players get paid neglecting your responsibilities doesn\u2019t pay off in the long run.\u00b2\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This balanced view helps us understand why some athletes who become Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses \u2013 maybe in tennis, soccer, or baseball \u2013 might re-evaluate their careers or how they participate in their sport. They seek to align their lives more fully with their faith priorities.\u00b2\u00b2 It\u2019s all about enjoying God\u2019s gift of physical ability while keeping our spiritual well-being as the number one priority.\u00b2\u0081 That\u2019s wisdom we can all learn from!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Jehovah\u2019s Witness view on competition and fame?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building on their balanced view of sports, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses also offer gentle guidance on competition and the pursuit of fame, always encouraging us to focus on higher, more lasting principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Competition itself isn\u2019t necessarily seen as wrong. After all, it\u2019s a natural part of many games where you have opposing teams.\u00b2\u0081 But the geest<\/em> behind the competition \u2013 that\u2019s what truly matters. A \u201cwin-at-all-costs\u201d attitude, one driven by ego or wanting to argue, is strongly discouraged.\u00b2\u0081 Remember that wonderful verse, Philippians 2:3? It advises humility and considering others as superior \u2013 that applies right here.\u00b2\u0081 The danger comes when we let a competitive spirit become all-consuming, leading to pride or poor sportsmanship. Humility is always encouraged, especially for those blessed with athletic talent.\u00b2\u0081 The real goal should be fun, teamwork, and healthy activity, not just winning at any cost.\u00b2\u0081 This stands in beautiful contrast to the extreme competitiveness often seen in professional sports.\u00b2\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to fame, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses are generally cautioned against seeking worldly prominence or glory.\u00b2\u0081 Their teachings beautifully emphasize humility and giving all the glory to God, not to ourselves. Chasing fame, whether it\u2019s online or in fields like sports or entertainment, can present many challenges to holding onto our precious Christian principles.\u00b2\u0081 There\u2019s a concern that the desire for popularity can lead us to compromise our beliefs, adopt worldly attitudes, or become overly focused on what others think of us.\u00b2\u0081 The official website wisely warns against a \u201cdo-whatever-it-takes\u201d attitude just to become popular.\u00b2\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fame often brings pressures and environments that can clash with Witness values. It might involve potential compromises, corruption, or associating with practices they view as not aligning with scripture.\u00b2\u0081 That\u2019s why becoming famous isn\u2019t a goal promoted by the faith.\u00b2\u0081 In fact, there are inspiring stories of individuals who were famous in sports or entertainment voordat<\/em> becoming Witnesses and chose to leave that lifestyle behind! They decided to focus on their faith and ministry, seeing spiritual pursuits as far more valuable.\u0081\u00b9 Even within their own organization, there are gentle reminders against glamorizing individuals who appear in their videos, always emphasizing humility and not seeking personal fame.\u00b2\u0081\u00b7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some famous individuals, like the incredibly talented musician Prince, were known to be Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses 28, the general teaching encourages members to prioritize \u201cgodly devotion\u201d over worldly recognition. It encourages us to conduct ourselves \u201chonestly in all things,\u201d even avoiding subtle forms of boasting like the \u201chumble brag\u201d.\u00b2\u00b9 The focus, should be on being known for our good qualities and genuine interest in others, rather than our status or achievements.\u00b2\u0081 That\u2019s where true value lies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do Jehovah\u2019s Witness NBA players handle the national anthem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The playing of the national anthem before sporting events is a familiar sight for Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses, it touches on deeply held religious principles. Their stance isn\u2019t about making a political statement it comes directly from their understanding of Bible teachings.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses believe their primary allegiance, their deepest loyalty, belongs to God and his Kingdom, which they view as a real, heavenly government.\u00b3\u0081 They teach that worship belongs only to God, based on powerful scriptures like Luke 4:8: \u201cIt is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service\u201d.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 Because pledges of allegiance and national anthems often involve promises of devotion to a country or its symbols, Witnesses feel in their hearts that they cannot participate without compromising their exclusive worship of God.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 This conviction leads Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses to refrain from saluting the flag or singing national anthems, as these actions could be seen as placing their loyalty to a worldly government above their devotion to God. Their belief is deeply rooted in biblical texts and principles, which they explore in their studies, including a overzicht van de King James Bijbel<\/a> to gain a comprehensive understanding of their faith. As a result, they prioritize their spiritual commitments over societal customs that may conflict with their interpretation of divine worship. This steadfast adherence to their beliefs is reflected in their distinctive translation of the Bible, known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which they believe accurately represents God\u2019s word. The oorsprong van de Nieuwe-Wereldvertaling<\/a> are deeply tied to their desire for clarity and faithfulness to the original texts, further reinforcing their commitment to biblical teachings. Consequently, Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses strive to live a life that mirrors their understanding of scripture, prioritizing their relationship with God above all else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They view saluting the flag as an act of worship, similar to idolatry, which the Bible clearly prohibits (1 Corinthians 10:14).\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 They even point out that secular historians have noted how the flag often functions as a \u201cchief symbol of faith\u201d in nationalism.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 This deeply held conviction is rooted in their interpretation of giving undivided loyalty to God, much like how early Christians respectfully refused to perform acts of worship toward the Roman emperor.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 Also, their belief that all people are equal in God\u2019s eyes (Acts 17:26) leads them to refrain from glorifying one nation above others.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this doesn\u2019t mean they are disrespectful \u2013 not at all!29 Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses respect governments as an \u201carrangement of God\u201d and faithfully obey the laws of the land, as long as those laws don\u2019t conflict with God\u2019s laws (Romans 13:1-7, Luke 20:25).\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 They would never vandalize flags or show disrespect to national symbols.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 When the national anthem is played or a flag ceremony takes place, Witnesses typically show respect by standing quietly, remaining seated, or sometimes staying in the locker room.\u00b3 They simply abstain from singing, saluting, or placing their hand over their heart.\u00b3\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the NBA world, this has occasionally drawn some attention. For instance, back in 1996, while Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (who is Muslim, not a Jehovah\u2019s Witness) faced suspension for refusing to stand due to his beliefs about the flag representing oppression 31, it was noted that Sam Perkins, a Jehovah\u2019s Witness playing for the Seattle SuperSonics at the time, would stand during the anthem but respectfully apart from his teammates, aligning with his religious convictions.\u00b3\u00b9 Perkins explained he stood to avoid being fined but did not salute the flag because his faith teaches not to worship or place trust in anything other than God.\u00b3\u00b2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their abstention is purely a matter of religious conscience. It\u2019s aimed at maintaining political neutrality and unwavering loyalty to God\u2019s Kingdom, not intended as a social or political statement.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 While this stance has sometimes led to legal discussions, especially in schools, courts have generally upheld their right to abstain based on the precious freedom of religion.\u00b2\u0081\u00b9 It\u2019s all about honoring God first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have any prominent NBA players left the Jehovah\u2019s Witness faith?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The life of a professional athlete, especially in the high-pressure, fast-paced world of the NBA, presents unique challenges for anyone trying to live out a demanding faith like that of Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses.\u00b9 Balancing those rigorous schedules, constant travel, intense competition, and the surrounding culture with deep religious commitments requires incredible dedication.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information we have highlights several inspiring athletes across different sports who actually embraced the Jehovah\u2019s Witness faith tijdens<\/em> of na<\/em> their careers. Sometimes, this led to major life changes, like retiring early or shifting their focus to ministry work. For example, former NBA player Dave Meyers, who was drafted #2 way back in 1975, became a Witness after marrying his wife, who was already in the faith. He even described the conflict he felt between the NBA lifestyle and his growing beliefs.\u00b9 And Darren Collison\u2019s retirement is such a clear example of someone choosing to prioritize their faith over their career.\u0081<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But finding specific, well-documented stories of prominent NBA players who were devout Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses and then publicly announced<\/em> they left the faith seems less common in the materials we looked at. We do see hints of individuals navigating this path differently. For instance, the great NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett mentioned in an interview that he was raised as a Jehovah\u2019s Witness by his single mother and even hid his basketball playing at first. But he doesn\u2019t explicitly say if he continues in the faith as an adult.\u0081 And remember Dewayne Dedmon\u2019s story? It involved him choosing to play basketball ondanks<\/em> his mother\u2019s initial objections based on her faith, although sources later identify him as a Witness too.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some discussions pop up in online forums, like Reddit threads among former Jehovah\u2019s Witnesses, where people might speculate about certain players or mention individuals like former MLB star Lou Whitaker remaining active 46 concrete examples of NBA stars publicly leaving the faith aren\u2019t readily presented in the snippets we reviewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s so important to remember that faith is a deeply personal journey. The pressures of fame, the potential for compromising situations, and the demanding lifestyle of professional sports could make it challenging for anyone to maintain strict adherence to the faith\u2019s principles.\u00b2\u0081 The fact that players like Danny Granger maintained their faith throughout their careers 1, and Darren Collison chose faith over continuing his career 6, really underscores the deep commitment required. While individuals may choose different paths in their spiritual walk, the stories we see predominantly highlight those who found ways to integrate their faith or ultimately chose to prioritize it. Every journey is unique in God\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living a Life of Purpose and Faith<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Isn\u2019t it just amazing, how faith can shine so brightly even in the most unexpected places? The journeys of these Jehovah\u2019s Witness players in the NBA \u2013 incredible men like Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Dewayne Dedmon \u2013 remind us that a deep, meaningful connection with God can thrive absolutely anywhere, even amidst the pressures and glamour of professional sports.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve seen how some, like the courageous Darren Collison, made incredible choices to put their faith and family above fame and fortune, discovering a deeper, more lasting joy in serving others.\u0081 We\u2019ve seen how others, like the determined Dewayne Dedmon, overcame unique obstacles rooted in their faith background to achieve their dreams against all odds.\u0081\u00b8 And we\u2019ve seen wonderful examples like Danny Granger, who lived out his faith consistently and faithfully throughout a demanding career.\u00b9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember today that God has an amazing, unique plan for Uw<\/em> life too. You might face challenges, you might feel pressures, you might have difficult choices to make. But just like these inspiring athletes, you can choose to put God first. You can live with integrity, with courage, and with unwavering conviction. You can find true, lasting joy not just in what the world offers in your precious relationship with Him and in living out the wonderful purpose He has designed just for you. Don\u2019t ever be afraid to let your light shine! Go out and live your faith boldly, knowing that with God by your side, all things are possible. Go out and live the abundant, blessed life He has planned for you!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This entry is part 5 of 38 in the series Jehovah's Getuigen begrijpen<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Explore inspiring stories of NBA players like Danny Granger and Darren Collison, who live their faith as Jehovah\u2019s 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