Love him or hate him, Colin Kaepernick is the face of a new Nike ad celebrating the 30th anniversary of their “Just Do It” campaign. 

The ad reads: “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” 

Kaepernick started the trend of kneeling during the National Anthem in the NFL in 2016 to create awareness for black injustice and inequality. 

Some people applaud Nike’s new ad, such as Osi Umenyiora who said: “I will buy 10 pairs of those Air Kaepernick’s when they come out.”

Others are so opposed to Nike’s new ad that they are burning their Nike shoes out of protest. 

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I’m not sure kneeling during the anthem was the most effective way to make his point. 

Even though the flag represents freedom of speech granted to all Americans, there’s something about dishonoring your country, your flag, and those who fought for your freedom that seems a bit ironic and doesn’t quite sit right with me. 

On the other hand, the inequality of justice and continued divide between races in our country also doesn’t sit right with me. 

Whether you believe Kaepernick’s kneeling was a good move to generate awareness or not, he did succeed in stirring the pot getting people to talk about injustice.

I don’t have a better solution to help put an end to racial inequality, but the controversy over the kneeling is beside the point of this post and Nike’s ad.

The point I believe Nike is attempting to make is that you must have the boldness and courage to take a stand for something. 

The campaign reminds me of Alexander Hamilton’s quote, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” 

Your convictions must lead you to action.

If you are unwilling to take action based on your convictions, how strong are your convictions? How strong is your willpower? How strong is your faith?

Are you willing to fight for what you believe is right? Are you willing to fight for what you believe to be true? Are you willing to take a stand for what you believe is worth taking a stand? 

Too many people get their ideas pushed aside because they simply aren’t willing to stomach the potential risk of damaging their reputation.

You have your faith. You have your beliefs. You have your convictions. Being a leader means sharing them with the world.

Take courage, rise up, grab the mic, and whether people love you or hate you, let your voice be heard. 

“In this world you will have trouble. But take courage. I have overcome the world.” – Jesus (John 16:33)