Read these words: “Faith to me is believing in the unseen and having a conviction that there is a higher power that has given me a purpose to what I am doing on this earth. For me, that is the foundation to how I live my life and how I want to see the world through that lens.”
A good number of people would think that a pastor said those inspiring words. Readers, you are in for a surprise. Those faith-inspired words came from NBA’s greatest shooter, Stephen Curry.
The 3X NBA champion who just led the Golden States Warriors to the 2019 Finals is a true Christian both on and off the court. His parents, Dell and Sonya Curry are devoted Christians who raised their kids to be church-goers. His mother said that reading the Bible is the beacon and lighthouse of the family, especially during hardships and troubles.
During their childhood, their parents taught them the importance of Faith as the foundation of their lives and values they should practice as Christians. Stephen learned his fundamental truth: God is at the center for all things.
https://www.facebook.com/vsonwatch/videos/2373072106315376/?v=2373072106315376
Curry explains that although he appreciated his Christian upbringing, it wasn’t until he was in the 8th grade when he truly understood what it meant to follow Christ. A sermon given by a pastor enlightened him. He said that it is essential for individuals of having a faith of their own, and not just living off their parent’s Faith,
“I felt a calling, went down to the altar, and gave my life to Christ,” shared Curry. “That became the beginning of my own personal journey. My faith is about the personal relationship, more so than following a certain religious tradition or practice. Challenges you to make sure that you are feeding your spirit with the right things versus what the world is throwing at us. It’s a constant battle, if I say I have it down, I’d be lying.”
Curry took his Christian faith several notches higher when he produced a Facebook series entitled Stephen vs. The Game. Now with five episodes, the series shows how his Christian Faith helps him to be a better father to his three kids; and handle himself as a professional basketball player. In the latest episode entitled Faith, Curry describes the impact of Jesus Christ on his career and how he strengthens him in dealing with everyday problems.
“My faith is tested on the court as much as it is in life,” Curry said in the episode. “It’s the part that always keeps me focus on what I need to do when it comes to my family, when it comes to my job, when it comes to how I treat other people, my appreciation for life and all the good things that happen and how to deal with the bad things that happen.”
Curry believes that his talents, skills, and abilities all came from God. This belief compels him to put his Faith first in all aspects of his life. The Gold State Warriors superstar said that ‘I put believer first, because that is supposed to be the roots of everything that I do as a believer, as a husband, as a father, and on down from there.’
Outside the court, he takes the opportunity to speak to people about Christ and share his faith experience. On the court, he would write his favorite Bible verse on his sneakers: I can do all things to Christ who strengthens me.
Now we know why Stephen Curry is such a transcendent basketball player. He is truly great not only because of his fantastic shooting skills but also due to the Christian values he practices be both off and on the court. His Faith is as flawless as his long-range 3-point shots.
Stephen keeps on scoring – for Jesus Christ.
By Leo Almonte