Lights Out by Travis Freeman with Rebeca Seitz

A blind football player?

Freeman tells his story of a pretty regular childhood until, as a twelve year old, he began experiencing headaches. Doctors said it wasn't serious. Then the raging infection in an eye and a temperature inching up to 106. Finally tests revealed Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. Few battled this disease with their minds intact. About 70% died. Treatment was ineffective so surgery was pursued. Cleaning out as much of the infection as could be done, Freeman would live – but blind.

Rather than going to a blind school, he went back to his own school. How he succeeded there and played football as a center, even through high school, is quite a story. (He even went to an opponents' huddle by mistake one time.) It continues on with college, seminary, a PhD, and then preaching.

Freeman reminds us that in some sense, each of us walks in the dark. He draws spiritual lessons from the tools and actions blind people use. He also give us great ideas on how to interact with the blind, giving them respect. “Disability does not equal inability,” Freeman reminds us. His humorous stories are a good indication of his positive attitude.

What an inspiring book. It is an encouragement to anyone facing obstacles. He relates how mobility experts helped him map out his way in a new setting. Similarly, we have friends, our relationship with the Lord, the support of the church, etc., for our support.

Freeman reminds us that a dark world is not an impossible one. It presents great challenges, yes, but they can be overcome. Everyone has challenges that need to be overcome. Freeman's life is a great example of living an overcoming life.

Watch the inspiring Dateline special here.

Go here to find out about the movie, 23 Blast, and watch the movie trailer.

Travis Freeman received his Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky, and his MDiv and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves as adjunct professor at the University of the Cumberlands, and as the President of The Freeman Foundation, dedicated to furthering the truth that disability does not equal inability. Learn more at http://travisfreeman.org.

Freeman Foundation, 200 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Glass Road Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.