By Mallory Mattingly
Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac just released his second signature shoe, the Judah 2, which features all-new Bible verses.
For Isaac, this shoe is all about voicing your own opinion, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Isaac’s message means so much more.
“It’s about free expression,” the athlete told Fox News Digital about his new shoes. “It’s about — I’m a Christian guy. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and King of the world and Lord and Savior of my life, and I want to wear these shoes as a tribute to Him. And anybody who wants to do the same, join me.”
“If you disagree with me, I’ve always tried my best with whatever stances I’ve taken to be graceful about it and truly try to care and understand the person that’s on the other side of it. Maybe we agree to disagree, but I’m never the type to try to impose myself on anybody else,” he explained.
Over the years, Isaac and Kirk became close friends. Isaac joined the Turning Point USA founder on his podcast, and they would occasionally text each other. When Isaac heard the news of Kirk’s death, he, like many others, took the news hard.
Related: Jonathan Isaac Launches Basketball Shoe Line with Bible Verses: ‘Live Bold’
“It’s tough to put into words…Really the only thing that I can say is just to speak to who Charlie was. Everybody will talk about what Charlie has said and his stances and stuff like that – Charlie had my respect,” Isaac shared. “Not because I agreed with everything he had ever said or done. Some of the conversations we had was even me disagreeing with things he said. But we always had civil discourse, and he was always prepared to talk about why he thought what he thought. To me, that’s a respectable man.”
Isaac’s goal with his new sneaker seems to mean so much more now.
“Let’s build this thing as a brand to unite Christians, lovers of God, lovers of country all across the nation, and give them a touchpoint to know each other, recognize each other, but also, to have their faith right in front of them,” he said.
When Kirk died, Isaac took to his Instagram to offer his condolences for his dear friend.
“My friend and Brother In Christ.. Welcome home! Your dedication to Christ and Democracy will never be forgotten! Prayers up for your beautiful family and close friends,” Isaac wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOcZDGxDgGL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Do you believe in free speech?
Isaac’s new signature shoe, via his Unitus brand, is available now on his website.
One style, called the “Armor of God,” features Ephesians 6:13: “Put on the full armor of God, so that when evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground and remain firm.”
The Judah 2 “Witness” boasts Hebrews 12:1: “Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every hindrance and sin, and run with perseverance the race set before us.”
Finally, the Judah 2 “Faithful” features 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
It’s encouraging to see Isaac use his platform, whether through his athletics or his Unitus brand, to encourage people to freely express their Christian faith.
Read Next: Charlie Kirk’s Faith Inspires the Nation: ‘Jesus Took My Place’
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