“When I am afraid, I put my trust in thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without a fear. What can flesh do to me?” –Psalm 56:3-4
Jake Olson is a 20-year-old man who has had to overcome a difficult handicap in his young life. Shortly after his birth it was realized that Jake had retinoblastoma, a cancer of the retina. Doctors had to remove his left eye. By the time Jake was 12 he had also lost sight in his right eye. Life is tough enough, but for Jake Olson he would have to life his life without sight.
His last memory of sight was watching the University of Southern California Trojans during their football practice. The team treated Jake well, allowing him to attend practice and evening joining them on the sidelines. Jake truly appreciated his time with the USC Trojans. They made his feel special and just like part of the team.
On Saturday, September 2, 2017 Jake Olson became more than just a kid on the sidelines he entered the game as an actual player. Jake realized early on that the deep-snapper on the team had a consistent job. He practiced and practiced. Jake played in high school and walked on to the USC team in 2015. At 6’4” and 235lbs Jake is more than capable of playing football at the colligate level. With guidance of his teammates, Jake took his place on the field, gripped the ball in his hand, and delivered a perfect snap. The Trojans scored the extra point on their way to a 49-31 victory over Western Michigan.
Jake Olson has faced many obstacles in his young life, but he has not let them deter him from making his dreams come true. It takes great courage to step on the field of play. He could have spent the rest of his days being a spectator but he found a way to play.
Like Jake, we are called to have courage and find our way beyond our own obstacles. God has created us to live life fully and completely. Life has many challenges, but if we remain determined and work to make our dreams a reality we will find that we have little to fear and a life well-lived is truly possible.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
