Coming Back Stronger, by Drew Brees
Reviewed by : Lara M. Van Hulzen
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Tyndale House Publisher, Inc.
Publication Date: 2010
Rating: G
Drew Brees embodies the idea that 10% of life is what happens to you, 90% of life is how you respond.
When Drew was only seven years-old, his parents got a divorce. Devastated, he and his little brother, Reid, went back and forth between two homes. His mother was an extremely competitive athlete, passing this attitude along to both of her sons. Drew grew up and went on to play football for Purdue. There, he met his wife, Brittany, and after being drafted by the Chargers, began his career in San Diego.
After a serious injury to his shoulder, he was offered a contract to return to San Diego, but the underlying message was, “We want you back, but you’re not our main guy anymore.” He was offered a contract to play for New Orleans or for Miami. Although he told himself he never wanted to play for the Saints, he felt God calling him to go to New Orleans.
He and Brittany went through many changes as their home and life were moved from one place to another. After Hurrican Katrina, Drew and Brittany were able to help rally with the Saints in rebuilding their new hometown.
In January of 2009, on Drew’s 30th birthday, his son Baylen was born. Only six months later, he would receive news that his mother died from suicide. Having been on a mountaintop one moment and in the pit of darkness another, Drew once again clung to his faith in God and the promise that all would work together for good.
In early 2010, as he held his son Baylen high in the air amidst confetti and celebration over the Saint’s Superbowl win, Drew believed that his mother smiled down from heaven. Much adversity has been thrown Drew’s way, but he believes God uses those times to make us stronger and closer to Him. We simply must choose the right attitude.
Coming Back Stronger is an encouragement to anyone who has faced difficult situations in life. It is also something any football fan would enjoy with games played out from Drew’s specific vantage point. Drew’s life and football career are interesting to read, but his faith through it all is what stands out the most.
