Heat's Brian Grant Refined in the Fire
by Doug Greengard
June 7, 2004
(AgapePress) - Brian Grant of the Miami Heat considers himself a picture of success -- but it has nothing to do with any of his accomplishments as a center in the National Basketball Association."The most success that I've had in life has come from the joy that I've felt from coming closer to God," says Grant, who plays for the Miami Heat and is a veteran of ten NBA seasons.
"Once that I came closer to God I was able to take things like basketball and any other things that I was dealing with -- no matter whether they were low or high -- [and] was able to enjoy them as life's experiences. I realize that these are things that God has placed in front of me and blessed me with to experience so I can give Him all the glory."
Early in his NBA career, Grant went through his life experiences without the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. After twice being named the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year at Xavier of Ohio, the 6-foot-9-inch, 250-pound Grant was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 1994 with the eighth overall pick. His basketball career was ready to take off. But as far as his personal life was concerned, Grant -- who was newly married and with a child -- was on a path heading for total destruction.
"My marriage was almost destroyed and broken up," adds Grant, named to the league's all-Rookie team in 1995. "But God put something in my wife to see herself through the heartache and pain. Through the ashes of destruction, God built us back up and delivered it to us. I go in greater detail for the younger guys who are trying to walk in the footsteps of Christ. I always try to be as honest as I can with them and try not to sugarcoat anything, but show them where they can end up if they don't have their focus on God and, even if they do end up there, how they can bounce back."
Just like when he squares off against the best centers in the NBA, Grant still faces his share of challenges. His daily goal is to seek Christ through prayer and reading the Bible to get the peace and wisdom he needs to grow in his relationship with the Lord.
"As I grow in my walk with Him, it's improving my marriage, my friendships -- and it's revealing who my true friends are in terms of people who have the same spiritual focus that I have," says Grant. "God has already blessed me above and beyond anything that I could ever be worthy of, and I just continue to try and be a blessing to others."
At nearly seven-feet tall, Grant stands tall. But through his faith in God, He is standing even taller for Jesus.
Doug Greengard is chaplain for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and the host/producer of Christian Sports Minute, a radio feature airing on more than 300 stations in North America. To get Heroes of Faith, a book filled with 24 stories of well-known sports figures, send $10 to Greengard Family Ministries, 2250 Gause Blvd., PMB 51089, Slidell, LA 70461.
