Friday 24 October 2014

Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World

ABOUT THE BOOK:


When the lights go out – play harder. 
Travis Freeman plunged into a world of darkness at 12 years old. A rare occurrence of a routine illness stole his sight, leaving the small–town Kentucky boy's dreams of football and fun languish–ing on the sidelines. 
Having given his heart to Jesus merely a year before the illness, Travis knew one thing: God was still the light for his life. 
That life story is now the inspiration for a major motion picture, "23 BLAST" that hits theatres in October 2014. Starring Dylan Baker (SPIDERMAN, THE GOOD WIFE) and Mark Hapka (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS), the film focuses on Travis's football career playing Center for the Corbin Red–hounds – a team that went on to win the state championship. 
Yet there is even more wisdom and hope for us to find in a full telling of Travis Freeman's story. So much more to hear that couldn't be included in The Today Show and Dateline coverage of his football exploits. 
This graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary now joins with seasoned writer Rebeca Seitz to share his story in his own words. His is a story that is destined to turn the lights on for millions of readers.

MY THOUGHTS:

You know those stories that while you're reading it, you just can't believe it, and then when you've turned that final page you STILL can't believe it!!?? Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World is one of those books! Travis Freeman has got to be one of THE MOST amazing men and his story is one that will touch/inspire/encourage each and every person who is able to hear it.


Travis lives in a small town, a very close knit community.  Travis explains it this way...

 “Life in the small town of Corbin revolves around family, church, neighborhood, and football – usually in that order. Every little boy – at least every little boy I knew – grew up with one dream: to become a Corbin Redhound, a member of the high-school football team.”  As a 4th grader he was able to be the water boy, which in his mind, was one step closer to being on the team!

When Travis turns 12 he begins having painful headaches! The doctors didn't take him seriously but when his Dad takes him to the hospital in pain, and running a very high temp, tests reveal Travis had Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Surgery was the only option and with it came the news that Travis would lose his sight.  

As I read his story I kept thinking about the Scripture, "What the enemy meant for harm, God will use it for good" Gen 50:20. You see, upon Travis learning that while the surgery had saved his life, the infection had taken his sight, and his reply was this... "I believe I will see again. But if I don't, I can't wait to see what God's going to do with my life!" And from that day to today, God is STILL doing amazing things through Travis' life!!

Travis went on to play football, yes PLAY football! He played all through high school, and then he was the equipment manager at the University of Kentucky during his college years. He has continued to do so many amazing things and with each accomplishment he hopes that people will see that disability does not equal inability! 

Lights Out: Living in a Sightless World is a book that everyone should read! What a great thing for Families to read aloud together each evening, and then discuss between them and see how each person is touched or encouraged. Honestly anyone and everyone would be blessed to read Travis' story!

There is also a movie out titled "23 Blast" that tells his story. I'm not sure if it will come to my area but I sooooo hope it does! It is one to see for sure!!!

Hands down, I give this book as many ♥ as I possibly can!!! This is a MUST READ book!!
5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s INDEED!!

Thank you so much LeAnn Hamby and Glassroad Media a division of BelieversPress for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review!