Living With WisdomSample

Finding Peace in the Shower

Sam Acho’s skills as an NFL outside linebacker are impressive. But what’s even more impressive is his humility and willingness to be vulnerable—even when it doesn’t come naturally. The football star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has a new book called “Let the World See You,” which details the hard truths about honesty and authenticity that God has been teaching him.

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I find peace in the shower. Everyone is different, but I need long, hot showers every day. Not just to stay clean but to stay sane. You see, my time in the shower is when I pray. It’s when I listen to God and let him download whatever he has for me. I’ll talk too. It’ll be a straight-up conversation. But those times alone are sacred for me.

I also find peace in writing. Oftentimes, my emotions are bottled up, so when I write, the words just flow. Many times, I don’t even know what’s going to come out, but I just start going. And I feel so much better afterward.

Many times, like in my new book, the words don’t feel like my words. I feel like God is doing the writing, and I’m just letting it flow.

The last place I find peace is on a basketball court. Basketball was my first love, so something about being there and listening to the ball bounce brings me great comfort. Although I don’t play as often as I would like, I find that place sacred.

—Sam Acho, former NFL linebacker, as told to Rapt Interviews