“Do not neglect the gift you have…” -1 Timothy 4:14
It is almost time for the most exciting season of the year…Football Season! The bright lights, the sound of the band, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of game is something that I have enjoyed since I can remember. I love the hard hits, the well-executed plays, the joy of seeing my team win (I hope) and so much more that accompanies the game on the gridiron.
Football is a violent game. Some people love the aggressive nature of the sport while others would prefer a more peaceful experience. I can understand that. This is why I love a recent story I read about Jarvis Landry of the Cleveland Browns. Jarvis Landry is an exceptional wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He played for the LSU Tigers in college and was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl 4 times in his 5-year career…not bad at all!
Jarvis Landry has been a football standout at every level. He has helped to lead several teams to victory through his talent and efforts. The football field is not the only place that Jarvis Landry works to have victory. He is a tireless advocate in the fight against cystic fibrosis. This began in high school when he fell in love with Mya Marie Zimmer. Sadly, his high school sweetheart died at the age of 24 from cystic fibrosis. Since that time, Jarvis Landry has worked to keep his promise to her that he would continue to bring awareness to this terrible disease that affects so many. In 2018 he partnered with the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to create Jarvis’ Jam. This event’s purpose was to bring awareness to this genetic disease that cuts far too many lives short and to raise money for a cure.
Throughout Cleveland and Ohio, you will often find Jarvis Landry working with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help fulfill his promise and to bring healing to so many. While he fights to have success on the field, Jarvis Landry also fights to help others find a life they can fully live.
When I read about the amazing work of Jarvis Landry I was reminded that each of us have an opportunity to provide hope and healing to those around us. We may not have the same platform to speak from as a professional football player, but we all have time, talent and passion to lend to those around us. When we use our gifts to help others we will bring hope and life to our world.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
