Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself [Hardcover]

Clayton Kershaw (Author), Ellen Kershaw (Author), Ann Higginbottom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2012

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 your 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.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

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.
- Dan Britton, 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.
- Brandon Cash, 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.
- Orel Hershiser, 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.
- Alissa Hollimon, 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!
- Frank Pastore, KKLA Radio Show Host, Author and Retired Major League Pitcher

While baseball fans are familiar with Clayton and his impressive accomplishments on the pitching mound, this book is about helping people away from the lights of the baseball field. Clayton and Ellen’s mission work in Africa as a young couple and their dedication to their faith gives people an inspiring example of how people can practice their faith and achieve great things no matter what their age.
- Andy Pettitte, Retired Major League Pitcher and Five-time World Series Champion, New York Yankees

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.
- Vin Scully, 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.
- Rebecca St. James, 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.
- Philip and Holly Wagner, 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!
- Jud Wilhite, Author of Torn and Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church, Las Vegas, Nevada

About the Author

Clayton & Ellen Kershaw | LA, CA and Dallas, TX Clayton was selected in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft and is now starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. During college at Texas A + M, Ellen spent time in Zambia, where her passion for African orphans became a mission. After dating for eight years, Clayton and Ellen married in December 2010. Their first trip to Zambia together was just weeks after their wedding.

 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Regal; First Edition edition (January 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830760865
• ISBN-13: 978-0830760862
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.8 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #274,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Clayton Kershaw was named the winner of the 2011 National League Cy Young Award, an honor presented annually to the best pitcher in each league by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. In 2011, Kershaw accomplished a rare feat, capturing the pitcher's triple crown, leading the league in wins (21), earned run average (2.28) and strike outs (248). Kershaw has also been honored with the 2011 Gold Glove award, the Warren Spahn Award (for best left-handed pitcher), the Players Choice Award for Outstanding National League Pitcher and The Sporting News's National League Pitcher of the Year award. He was also a member of the 2011 National League All-Star team.

As great as all of this is, there is much more. Clayton and Ellen Kershaw have hands-on involvement helping children around the world. They have launched Kershaw's Challenge, personally giving $100 per batter that Kershaw struck out in 2011 to build a new children's home in Zambia, where they work with the non-profit charity, Arise Africa. For the Kershaws, giving is as important as winning. In fact, Clayton says that as we pursue our dreams, we need to build a relationship with God, build solid relationships with others and become givers from the start. Clayton says, "I want every pitch and every batter faced to be about something more than a game."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Kershaw ABC's January 4, 2012

By David P. Craig TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I primarily got this book on a whim because I love baseball - especially the Dodgers --and enjoyed watching Clayton Kershaw work his way into the pitching Triple Crown and a CY Young award during the 2011. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would - to be honest I didn't expect much depth from a couple that are half my age - in their early twenties. In this book Clayton and Ellen show that they are wise beyond their years, and totally committed to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and to making a huge difference in the lives of people whether on a baseball field or in a field in Africa.

I was pleasantly surprised by what I'll call the Kershaw ABC's:

"A" is for Africa - The book goes back in forth alternating between Ellen and Clayton (there are more chapters written by Clayton) talking about the dreams (goals) that they had as teenagers and how God was at the center of these dreams and how they came to be a reality in each of their lives. Ellen talks of her various trips to Zambia to work with children there and how together in marriage God has allowed them to visit Africa and combine God's love and gospel message to help children. I found Ellen's depth in her relationship with Christ to be inspirational and encouraging - and enjoyed what she wrote as much as what Clayton wrote.

"B" is for Baseball - Clayton walks you through his little league, minor league, and Dodgers career thus far. Any baseball fan will really enjoy what he has to say in these sections - especially the amazing Cy Young performance he had last year with the Dodgers. There is a great story in the book where Clayton talks about a teacher's advice to him on following his dream in the 9th grade to be a pro ball player, "I do want you to understand the odds, Clayton.... They are one in a million. But the important thing is that you see yourself as the one. Don't think about the million. Visualize yourself being the one who makes it. You are the one. Be the one."

"C" is for Christ - There is a huge emphasis in this book on what it means to have a personal relationship with our Maker through Jesus Christ, and how to grow, benefit from, and be used in this world by having your identity in Christ and thus giving Him glory. Clayton desires to be known as a "Christian who plays baseball, not as a baseball-playing Christian."

Clayton and Ellen clearly articulate the gospel and how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith in Him:

Clayton, "We are saved through faith in Christ alone. Our words and actions should flow out of a heart that has been changed by the Lord. We can't earn God's grace by doing good things. That wouldn't be grace. Grace means getting something that we really don't deserve. It's a relief to remember that God's grace doesn't depend on us or on our ability to live a perfect life. Thankfully, it depends on Jesus, who lived a perfect life for us and died in our place."

Ellen, talking about the father and son in Jesus' parable in Luke 15, "Rather than punish his son, the father absorbs his son's guilt and shame so that his son can receive the gift of his love. That's exactly what Jesus did for us in dying for our sins...When my social life was shaken in middle school, God graciously drew me to Himself...By God's grace, I have a heart for Africa. By God's grace, Clayton can throw a baseball. We're hopeful that we can spend a lifetime figuring out what those two things mean and how to live them out for God's glory."

I would say that the target audience of this book is primarily high schoolers, college students, and young people in their twenties. As they say early on in the book, "We want a generation of young people to arise--to hope and believe that their lives are full of purpose." However, I think anyone who loves the poor and hurting children of the world, baseball, and especially Jesus Christ will really enjoy and benefit from this book. I would especially encourage young people to read this book and emulate the Kershaw's as they follow Jesus Christ. If you are Christian parent, youth pastor, pastor, or coach I highly recommend that you give this book to a young person in your life - it can be a great motivator for them to follow their dreams and reach them for the sake of Christ and His glory in the world. Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rediscovered My Faith through Baseball and Zambia January 27, 2012

By Megan Filipowski

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I fell in love with baseball when I was just a child. I left part of my heart in Zambia when I was a junior in high school. This book combined two of the things that I find very important in my life. I never thought though that I would rediscover my faith as I turned the pages.

I can relate to Clayton's baseball stories and I can relate to Ellen's stories of her time in Zambia. It has been a long time since a book has impacted me in a way that this one has.

I didn't want to put this book down and when I had to I was still thinking about it. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It doesn't matter who you are, this book is clear about one thing: the Kershaws live for God and it's evident in their daily lives, on the pitching mound and in the dirt streets of Zambia.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical athlete March 5, 2012

By Reid Mccormick

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

There is not a lot of hope left in professional sports, let's be honest. It seems like every week there is another big name athlete in some sort of trouble. Even our "respectable" athletes are greedy numbskulls constantly looking for bigger paychecks and blaming others for all their personal woes. Truthfully, parents today would probably rather not have their kids idolize today's professional athletes.

Clayton Kershaw is not your typical athlete. He is much, much more. With his wife Ellen by his side both physically and spiritually, Kershaw strives to be a Christian first and a baseball player second. In their book, Clayton and Ellen document their years together starting in high school until the present. They grow as a couple but most importantly they grow together in the Lord. Ellen has a heart for the people of Zambia. Clayton has a passion for baseball and standing out as a Christian in an un-Christian world. They encourage each other, support each other, and pray for each other.

Every young man and woman should read the story of Clayton and Ellen Kershaw. Their story isn't typical but it is inspiring to see a young man and woman be so dedicated to serving and loving others. They give us hope that athletes can do good.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect gift for Christians: good will, and good faith December 21, 2012

By Claude Lambert

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought the book because I wondered what a young baseball player can write about with his wife. Successful men in any field rarely write with their wives.
Well, they write in alternate chapters about loving each other, about the importance of their friends, about baseball and going into missionary work in Africa. The book is heavily loaded with Christian expressions, so it is unsuitable for people who get annoyed by it. But it is very sincere, unlike most Christian books nowadays (writing Christian books is now a business like writing mystery novels, and as a result they usually reek of hypocrisy).
Most interesting is the chapter where Clayton sees the differences between his faith and his wife's faith and the description of how they both felt in front of the unspeakable poverty they met in missionary work. I would have liked a bit more specifics on the work of each of them, but it is all about feelings rather than facts.
There is a series of family pictures. It is all very very sweet and very very young.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! March 3, 2012

By WGreene

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are wondering what an authentic and vibrant faith looks like in the life a phenomenal modern athlete, this book is for you. Very down to earth and a great glimse into God's faithfulness in two young people's lives over the past decade both apart and together. This would be a great gift for a high school student, especially a baseball player!