Facing the Blitz

Three Strategies for Turning Trials Into Triumphs

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Every Trial Is an Opportunity to Flourish

In football, a blitz is an all-out attack. Defenses use them to force the quarterback into a mistake and create mayhem and destruction. But by its nature the blitz also creates an opportunity for the quarterback and his team, as it leaves holes in the defense. What looks like the worst play can become the best.

During a life "blitz," when everything seems like it's collapsing--financially, relationally, spiritually, or physically--if you take initiative you can do more than just survive. You can grow, succeed, and advance. In Facing the Blitz, Jeff Kemp shares lessons he's learned through all kinds of life blitzes, both personal and professional. Discover how life is about transformation and being others-oriented; having the right mind-set can turn unnecessary fear and misery into courage and joy.

No matter who you are--men, women, sports fans, business leaders, etc.--this book is about the things that matter in your life. Don't end up flat on your back when trouble comes. Learn to seize opportunities to flourish and grow.

Includes end-of-chapter questions for assessment and application.

Find out more at www.facingtheblitz.com.


Endorsements

"This book will make a difference in your life. You'll want to read, digest, and reread it. I hope you share it with friends to help them through their own difficulties and to strengthen their important teams, from family to business to sports."

from the foreword by Tony Dungy, author of Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance

"Facing the Blitz is a gem full of wisdom and hope and practical advice for anyone who fears suffering and difficulty. It's easy to read, remember, and use. Amazing!"

Pat Lencioni, president, The Table Group; bestselling author of The Advantage and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

"Jeff is a man of deep faith, love, and leadership. I have tremendous admiration for Jeff and his approach to living a complete and healthy life. He's as prepared to face the blitz as well as anyone I know--and I'm not talking about just when he was an NFL quarterback. Read, learn, and apply. Valuable lessons for life's greatest challenges."

Jim Nantz, CBS sportscaster 

"If you like football, you'll love this book. But Jeff Kemp's sage advice applies to much more than the gridiron. Every one of us will be confronted by seemingly insurmountable odds at some point. Facing the Blitz provides solid, biblical advice for confronting life's most difficult challenges."

Jim Daly, president, Focus on the Family

"Jeff Kemp is a long-time friend, former quarterback, and teammate with the Seattle Seahawks. Many of the stories Jeff writes about I witnessed and remember vividly! Some painful, others joyful, but all of them instructive and profitable if you can face the blitz!"

Steve Largent, NFL Hall of Fame and former U.S. Congressman

"Jeff Kemp's Facing the Blitz is a game-changer for every man. What you'll find in these pages is that Kemp is the Life Coach you need to successfully execute with purpose and resolve. Suit up and read this book--it's game time!"

Dr. Dennis Rainey, president and CEO, FamilyLife

"If you or a loved one are facing fear, loss, uncertainty, or the realization that life is changing dramatically for you, you couldn't have picked up a better book! I've known Jeff Kemp for years. I've watched him face blitzes on the football field. I've also seen him help many others off the field-- like me--when they're facing their own times of trial and unexpected or unwanted change. Many books will 'inform' you, but if you're being 'blitzed' by life, this book can change you . . . even as it helps change your faith and future."

John Trent, PhD; chair of marriage and family ministry and therapy, Moody Theological Seminary; author, The Blessing and LifeMapping

"Having battled stage III cancer and living daily with chronic pain, I know something about turning trials into triumphs. And Facing the Blitz demonstrates that Jeff Kemp knows about it, too. With remarkable clarity, stellar illustrations, and time-honored wisdom, Jeff leads the reader past the pitfalls of defeat and depression into a broad, spacious place of hard-won contentment and, yes, even joy. Every follower of God wants to face his trials with grace, and the outstanding book you hold in your hands is indeed your guide!"

Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center

"Former NFL quarterback Jeff Kemp knows well that blitzes can knock you flat on your back--but if you're prepared, you can beat the blitz for a huge play. In Facing the Blitz, Kemp transforms this on-field knowledge into real-life wisdom, teaching you how to beat the blitzes in your life and turn them into victories."

William Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education and host of the nationally syndicated talk show Morning in America

"As a quarterback in college and professional ranks, Jeff Kemp knows the blitz well and gives us preparation and training for life's blitzes. He is a very transparent guy and, as you read this book, you will want to share it with others. This is a message not only for men but for women as well."

Darrel Billups, ThD, executive director, National Coalition of Ministries to Men

"Jeff Kemp has taken the lessons he learned on as a quarterback on the field and applied them to life. This book is a must-read for all of us. Tests and trials are a part of the human condition; no one is immune to the challenges of facing adversity. My hope is that, by reading this book, we all may be better equipped to deal with tough situations and emerge stronger and wiser from the experience."

Mike Holmgren, former head coach, Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers

"Jeff Kemp believes, like I do, that facing pressure is a part of God's process for our lives. More radically, he believes that God wants to use the circumstances bringing chaos and disruption into our lives for our progress. That's why I am doing the end-zone dance over Facing the Blitz. Authentic. Raw. Transforming."

Kenny Luck, author, Sleeping Giant; founder and president, Every Man Ministries; Leadership Pastor, Crossline Community Church

"This book could change your life--or help you to help another who has suffered a 'blitz'--a devastating loss, defeat, or humiliation. Jeff Kemp, a former pro quarterback and a faith-filled family advocate, inspires us by citing examples in his own life and others', to understand that we can convert a terrible present into a bright future."

Mort Kondracke, political journalist 

"The Kemps have a knack for giving Americans positive game plans. Facing the Blitz goes to the heart of life and leadership. A remarkable, life-impacting read!"

Larry Kudlow, CNBC senior contributor; radio host, "The Larry Kudlow Show"

"Jeff Kemp writes in a powerful, practical, insightful way. This book helps us to see life's inevitable, ugly 'trouble-blitzes' as opportunities rather than crushing defeats."

Ellen Vaughn, New York Times bestselling author and Senior Fellow, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative

"Jesus said, 'In this world you will have tribulation.' In other words, there is no trouble-free life. In Facing the Blitz, Jeff Kemp will inspire you with his own life-tested wisdom and insights that can help you turn your discouraging trouble into personal power and a blessing to others. Jesus will use this book in your life--I promise!"

Dr. Robert Lewis, Men's Fraternity

"Facing the Blitz is not for spectators. It's for any of us on the field of reality, in the game of life. We want purpose from our pain, gain from our loss, and miracles from our mess. We want to face reality, grow relationships, and win as a team. Jesus told us we'd face troubles, and He showed us the way. This book shines the light on the way of hope and growth, and will make a positive impact on other people."

Dr. Tony Evans, president, the Urban Alternative; author, Kingdom Man; senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

"My Pop always told me, 'Keep your poise.' Sadly, too many people today do not function well when life gets difficult, and the consequences are often tragic. But I've seen Jeff keep his poise through many different situations, and in Facing the Blitz he provides a game plan for how we can all live with character and integrity through any circumstances."

Carey Casey, CEO, National Center for Fathering

"Life in general can be difficult, but there are certain moments when circumstances are overwhelming. This is magnified when we are surprised and not prepared for the challenge. Jeff Kemp compares this to a blitz in football. He graciously opens up his life and God's Word and offers men his story and God's model of how to handle the blitzes of life. I have heard Jeff share parts of his story with thousands of men, and it is clear that God has raised him up for such a time as this."

Brian Doyle, founder and president, Iron Sharpens Iron

"Dads face problems, and so do their kids. Facing the Blitz gives us riveting stories and strategies to live well and help our children overcome and thrive."

Mark Merrill, president, Family First; author, All Pro Dad: Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids


The Author

  1. Jeff Kemp
    © Dan Butkowski

    Jeff Kemp

    Jeff Kemp (www.facingtheblitz.com) quarterbacked in the NFL for eleven years, playing for the Rams, the 49ers, the Seahawks, and the Eagles. He and his father, Jack Kemp, were the first father-son quarterbacks in NFL history. Today Jeff speaks at community...

    Continue reading about Jeff Kemp


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