Facing public criticism, peer hostility, and widespread disapproval, would you compromise your principles to blend in with the crowd, or would you stand for what you believe?
On July 31, 2020, the Orlando Magic starting forward Jonathan Isaac was the lone NBA player not to kneel for the national anthem amid a league-wide demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter. Standing alone, knowing the scrutiny to come, Jonathan had a peace he at one time never could have imagined possible.
In Why I Stand, Jonathan shares the journey of how—through a series of divine connections and a willingness to follow Christ—his fear and insecurity-driven life was transformed into one of confidence and purpose. From his childhood in the Bronx to his high school years in Florida, from rail-skinny freshman at FSU to top draft pick in the NBA, Jonathan uses his life story to illuminate the freedom and peace found in the love of Jesus Christ.
More than the story of an NBA player’s transformation from man on the court to man of God, Why I Stand is a testament to His love, power, and grace that extends to us all. This book is a discovery that no matter your level of confidence today, God’s strength will develop in your weakness. That courage is found in trusting that God is greater than your fears.
As Jonathan takes you through the experiences that drove his decisions, he offers insight and inspiration to help you to grow to a point where standing alone is better than not standing at all.
Reviews
“When all of his teammates and the rest of the NBA knelt, Jonathan Isaac stood. His story of strength, courage, and sacrifice should inspire anyone facing adversity or being pressured to abandon their values—it should be shared far and wide.”—BEN SHAPIRO
“I love how authentically Jonathan shares his story. Jonathan’s love for Jesus is evident, and his faith is genuine. He shares in his book how God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere and that Jesus is the answer. If you want to be encouraged in how God can use you, pick up a copy of Why I Stand.”—TIM TEBOW
“Jonathan stood courageously during a time of national conflict, and he has written about his innermost thoughts. Readers will find it compelling to consider just what Jonathan means in his book Why I Stand.”—FRANKLIN GRAHAM
“What a compelling story of God-given courage. I’m so thankful for Jonathan’s willingness to consistently stand for truth and to refuse to compromise his values. This book will strengthen your faith in the Lord and equip you to face whatever challenge is before you with boldness and grace.”—ALLIE BETH STUCKEY
“Jonathan Isaac has it all: brawn, brains, and—most important of all—the humility and moral clarity to use his tremendous gifts for good. Jonathan stands for the flag and kneels only for God at a time when it is not popular to do either. In Why I Stand, Jonathan gives us a personal account of how he learned to buck the ‘wisdom’ of our age and stand tall in the face of pressure. A moving journey.”—MICHAEL KNOWLES
I stand with Jonathan Isaac because he is the present and future evangelist doing the great ministry of God, the Great Commission. The supernatural favor of the Lord is on his life, everywhere he goes. Every ‘yes’ that he has said to Jesus has been the best yeses of his life. It has also given him the greatest reach and eternal impact on millions of souls.—PASTOR ANWAR FAZAL and NIDA ANWAR FAZAL, Isaac TV and Eternal Life TV Network
About the Author
Jonathan Judah Isaac is a professional NBA basketball player for the Orlando Magic. Isaac became the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after an impressive season playing for the Florida State Seminoles. While his career stats are impressive, his undeniable heart for God sets him apart. He is a minister at J.U.M.P. Ministries Global Church under Lead Pastor Dr. Durone Hepburn. Jonathan speaks nationally on topics of God’s love and faithfulness, and Christian unity. Isaac is involved with charity work and continually gives to causes like Project Life Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps to celebrate and protect culture and community globally. Jonathan can also be seen weekly on his show “Judah Nation” on JGNtv.org and on the JGNtv app.
UNITUS brings people together around stylish, high-quality apparel that champions faith, family, and freedom. Together, we’re redefining greatness.
WE DON’T HAVE TO HIDE.
For too long, the sports and lifestyle apparel game has been dominated by companies with divisive agendas. Greatness has been defined only by how you perform—apart from who you are and how you live. And cancel culture has the millions of people who hold traditional values wondering, “What if I’m the only one?”
It’s time we had an alternative. UNITUS gives you a way to confidently wear what you believe, without compromising style or performance. But it’s more than cool clothes—UNITUS is a community of people rallied around faith, family, freedom, and the pursuit of true greatness. Together, we rise above by working every day to be the best we can be, joyfully serving others with integrity, and standing for what’s right.
UNITUS is a movement—one that starts with U and ends with US.
MEET THE FOUNDER
On July 31, 2020 Jonathan was the lone NBA player not to kneel for the national anthem amid a league-wide demonstration in support of Black Lives Matter. Believing black lives matter, but knowing Christ as the only answer to the world’s pain and division, he wrote the national bestseller, “Why I Stand.” Passionate about creating a movement that brings people together, Jonathan went on to launch UNITUS in August 2023.
