Highlight Testimony: Wil'Lisha Jackson

I didn't know I was looking for something until I was found...

I've lived a fortunate life. My family had a house to live in and vehicles for transportation. I received a good high school education and college for free. Not to mention, there've been many blessings from the hand of God. His favor has surely been upon my life.

While I can't say my life has been filled with a bunch of radical stories, it has been filled with change and a bunch of pivotal moments.

My life before Christ looked 'normal',just a girl who treated others well, smiled often, and desired to be a good influence on those around me. That is, until I became aware that there was a difference between how I was living and the righteous lifestyle God intended for me.

I started playing basketball at the age of 13. Most people would say that's a late start, but by the grace of God, he blessed me with talent and passion for sport. He blessed me as a 'starter' throughout my high school career.

I was never considered a top prospect in my class, but God positioned me to be seen by a coach while I played one of my best games of basketball, ever! I landed a full scholarship (Low Div. 1) at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City,

NJ. I rolled with it!!

Being away from home and losing my Papa at that time, began a rough season in my life. Many things lacked clarity. I didn't know how to handle the pressures in my life. I was alone more than I'd ever been. I slipped away from my family in exchange for overworking to somehow feel more secure. Truth is, in my loss, my soul longed for Jesus...

As my basketball season came to a close in the first round of the MAAC Tournament in March of 2020, an unbearable weight of all the things I'd been suppressing, forced a release of tears and conversation with my mom, who had come with my dad to support me during the tournament. The next word spoken came from the loud speaker instructing everyone to leave the arena immediately due to an 'unknown virus'. Shortly thereafter, a mass email from the school followed by a mass exodus...my bags were packed and I was headed home.

I knew I wanted to continue my career, so I put my name into the transfer portal. I knew I wanted to compete at the Division 1 level and narrowed my decision to two schools, ultimately giving a verbal commitment to Sacred Heart University. Little did I know that SHU coaches/trainers would raise me up, train me up better than I had ever been. As well as, help me to understand and play basketball in new ways.

What else was new? A Bible I'd been given by my best friends on my 18th birthday, but sadly, kept locked up in my college trunk for two of my darkest university years, was brought out and dusted off- as I had come to realize my need for the light could only be found within its eternal pages. Truth penetrated my life in power, bearing subtle- yet, significant changes within me.

As God is faithful, He surrounded me with new teammates, new friends, and a church community. One such friend and teammate, Olivia Martino, not only introduced me to FCA, but was God's chosen vessel to lead me to a personal relationship with Christ. I'll never forget reciting the sinner's prayer with Olivia and her dad, Pastor Ralph Martino, on a 3-way call, while sitting in the driver's seat of my car.

Since then, I've been growing in my faith, witness, and fellowship with other athletes through the FCA Huddle on campus. Our Huddle meetings and Bible Studies have been the highlights of my week. In addition, I also began praying more and watching sermons online.

Strengthened in my new faith, temptation and trial were lurking and bidding for mastery over me. While I fell to temptation and suffered injury requiring surgery, I cried out for God in my desolate state. I felt comfort the second I called His Name. He spoke to my spirit and told me that everything would be just fine.

From that point on, I dedicated my life to God. I said that I would do everything for Him. The best part is that I don't have to rely on myself, but can rely on God, my Father, who provides the strength and wisdom I need to please Him. All we have to do is 'ask' and have 'faith' In Him!!

"Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, & measureless grace will strengthen you."  Psalm 55:22b