College Athlete Retreat: tiger ball playing, Jesus worshiping, eating good food kind of time.
One thing some may not know about me is that I am a leader for LSU FCA, which stand for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I started going to FCA when I was a freshman, but did not attend regularly until last year. I was on the serve team last year, which led to me being leader of the orange team this year. FCA is a place for athletes and non athletes to attend to fellowship with other believers and non believers and to learn more about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. Being in the athletic training program, I am always surrounded by athletes and fellow athletic trainers, which led me to the passion I have for this ministry. It has been challenging, yet so rewarding to be given this opportunity. The main event of FCA is College Athlete Retreat, where FCA’s from all around Louisiana join together in the lovely Shreveport at Camp Bethany to play games and learn more about Jesus.
With all of the icy roads and closures, the usual four hour drive took ten. Most of the students from our college missed all of the activities of Friday night, but we knew Satan was just trying to hold us back from something big happening…and we were right. Saturday was filled with small group time where we learned about the armor of God followed by plenty of competitions including tiger ball, basketball, ultimate frisbee, football, sand volleyball, and much more. Shelby, Kayla, Caityln, Josh, Jonathan, and Blake made up my team, the Bucs, who I all loved immediately! (Go Bucs!) Saturday night is when things really got real though!
We had some amazing worship and speakers, followed by an invitation to accept Christ. Seeing everyone take a stand and take the next step to make Jesus Lord of their life was such an amazing sight. Even one of my very own teammates, Shelby, stepped to the back to accept Christ! Praying with her was one of my favorite moments of the weekend. Her raw and pure emotions were contagious. She was overflowing with joy and could not hide her smile. She was free and could be herself finally. This moment was so rewarding for me and reminded me of how our relationship with Christ is supposed to be. She was experiencing the “first date giddiness”. Because I was saved at a young age, I can sometimes get stuck in the “40 year marriage” rut. However, seeing the newness and excitement of this relationship really encouraged me.
The other pivotal moment of the weekend was late saturday night when we were separated into groups by our colleges. LSU gathered together in a corner and the floor was open for anyone to speak and share what they’ve learned or what they’re going through. After almost everyone spoke and many tears were shed, my heart started pounding and I knew it was my turn to speak. Originally, I didn’t think I had learned anything from this retreat, but boy was I wrong! As soon as I stood up, the tears started flowing and I finally felt free. I told the group of how stressed and overwhelmed I have been lately and how much of a toll it was taking on me. Jesus had finally brought me to a point, though, where I couldn’t carry the weight of everything on my own, I finally had to take the load off and ask Him for help. Just that small act of sharing this with the group freed me and cleansed me. It finally hit me that I need His help, I can’t do this on my own and I need to have my priorities straight. I need to give it up to Jesus, and He will take care of me.
Don’t try to live life on your own guys, it’s tough. What are you holding on to? What is it that’s so valuable and crucial in your life that you’re afraid to give it up to Jesus? Is it a relationship? A job? Your finances?
Whatever it is, give it up to Him. Don’t let it cause such a burden on your life that you can’t be you. Psalm 55:22 says “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Many things in life will try to shake you up, but with Christ you have a solid foundation. 
