Andrew Farley
So lately I’ve been getting into one of those moods where all you do is watch YouTube videos or clips of films that inspire get you really inspired and motivated. I want to share with you guys a clip from one of my favorite movies, The Pursuit of Happyness. I find it to be very inspiring, and something that everyone can relate to.
Will Smith’s character, Chris Gardner, is playing basketball with his son, and his son mentions that he wants to go pro. Chris stops him right there and says that there and says that playing pro basketball is next to impossible. When his son hears this, he throws the ball to the side and doesn’t fell like playing anymore.
Chris goes up to him and tells him maybe the most powerful statement in the entire film. He tells him to never let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.
We can all learn from Chris’ message. No matter how many people you hear saying that something is impossible or not even worth trying for, you can’t let that affect your decision of whether or not to pursue the thing you love.
I’m not saying it’s easy; as a matter of fact, I should say that it is very hard to do. But it’s time to start believing in ourselves more, so that we can live for what we love.
“People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.”
Hey there everyone, I’d like to share a story that I found about a young high school kid from upstate New York. You may have heard of the autistic basketball player named Jason McElwain.
McElwain was the waterboy for his high school basketball team whose only dream was to play in one of the games. One day, his coach allowed him to suit up, and with 4:19 left in the game, he got playing time.
So Jason’s goal was finally complete, right? Wrong. “J Mac” (as they call him) had a lot more to say, and the next four and a half minutes of his life would be “amazing…just amazing.”
J Mac dropped 20 points during his time on the court, and 18 of those were 3-pointers! The crowd went absolutely nuts after the game.
McElwain’s story is one that will not be forgotten for a very long time. He has become a true inspiration to thousands of people. However, we cannot forget who also took a stand in this situation – the coach. He put the game on the line for McElwain to have a chance to play. Today, we often see coaches who only care about winning, but coach Jim Johnson is trying to convey another message. Giving Jason a chance to play is certainly his greatest gift to him, and he will never regret taking that stand.
info@takeastand.org 
