Nationwide Acclaim for "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within"

“I feel that this is exactly what our young student athletes need in this day and time.  It provides natural and spiritual insight of what a high school football player deals with when making the transition from high school to the college level, not only on the field, but off the field as well.  This book should be required reading for all incoming freshmen football players on every college campus in the country.”

                                                -Johnny Shelton, Chaplain/Spiritual Advisor

Baltimore Ravens 

“Very seldom does a young man sit down to write such a compelling account of his Faith journey.  All student athletes, indeed all students will benefit from the candor and sincerity Miguel displays in this book.”

-Bill Curry, Former Head Football Coach

University of Kentucky

“Student athletes have long needed a book that speaks to the dynamics of their high school and pre-college experiences, one that can help them identify with the pressures and temptations of all sports.  Miguel Viera’s first person account of such a life has much to offer to those who are truly searching for purpose and direction in lives immersed within the world of student sports.”

-Dr. Pat Cronin, Pastor

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church

“If you want to experience major college Football, and Life, from an athlete’s perspective, and get the TOTAL picture, Miguel Viera delivers it.  This is a special young man, with a special message.  I highly recommend this book.”

-Rob Oviatt, Former Assistant AD, Physical Development

Washington State University Athletics

“Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within was a terrific and enlightening story of a Christian student athlete’s life.  Each chapter built on each other like scenes from the movie “Hoosiers.”  I recommend this book to all families, especially those that have aspiring student athletes in their lives.”

-Lee Pena Jr., International Treasury Manager

The Sherwin-Williams Company

 “Football is a growing up experience.  It’s all about dedication, cooperation and working as a team.  Higher Ground should be passed out to all student athletes right along with their equipment.”

-Karen Dorr, Wife of the late Coach Ray Dorr

College Station, TX

“Miguel Viera’s account of his athletic experience from childhood through becoming a young man truly is entertaining, educational and inspiring.  As I read “Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within,” I found myself thinking about my spiritual journey and that of my children who are now beginning their college experiences.  Being from Kentucky and having graduated from the University of Louisville, the details of the football games and college campus environment brought me back to my college days and the temptations and rewards which are ever present on a college campus.  I believe this is must reading for all young adults, even if they are not pursuing a collegiate athletic career, as they move away from home and begin their life journey.”

-Bryan Swerbinsky, VP & CFO

Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corp.

“On Higher Ground is a must read for any athlete being recruited to a Division 1 athletic program.  Miguel details the challenges, the hopes and dreams of prospective college athletes.  He presents this journey in the context of solidifying his own faith in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  His story of accomplishment, faith, perseverance, and courage will be inspiring to all.  With the strength of the Lord beside him and the power of hope and optimism, Miguel achieved his lifelong dream.  He details the challenges and excesses of big time college sports.  Others will find his story inspiring, filled with personal anecdotes and a message of what God’s love can provide for those seeking answers to life’s perplexing questions.  Miguel’s calling to enrich the lives of other people, young and old, by sharing can change your life forever.”

-Bob Lake, Head Football Coach

Cloverleaf High School

Preface

   It is hard to believe 10 years have passed since I first sat down to write about walking through the doors of college and becoming a Christian student athlete.  The good Lord has provided countless opportunities to share my personal testimony through the writing of this book.  It is only by His grace and love He could ever use someone like me.  The truth is I fall short everyday due to being born in a sinful world.  The good news is through receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my sins are not only forgiven but I’m clothed in the righteousness of Christ.  This is a testament to the power of the cross.

   During a recent morning devotion, I came across this verse in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”  The importance of standing fast in this world is paramount.  It is a daily challenge only conquered by reading and living out His perfect Word.  In our culture it is progressively getting more difficult to be a shining light due to constant external pressures and temptations. 

   Thinking about the next generation of Christian student athletes has inspired me to write a second edition of this book.  I want to encourage Christian student athletes to stand fast in their faith in Christ while living a life that brings glory to God.  Holding fast to the written word of God and not compromising one’s values is not an easy task for any of us.  We need constant encouragement from other believers to stand strong.  Most importantly, we can’t forget that believers in Christ have the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome the world.

   This second edition will have discussion questions listed after every chapter.  They can be used to encourage readers to use this book in small group studies to discuss the challenges associated with crossing through the doors of college and beyond.  May the power of Christ compel you to impact those in your circle of influence for His glory and honor!