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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BLIND (06/03/21)
There are many phrases that use the word blind to describe the way something can be concealed or made dark. Being blind can be a physical state or a way of being. Using our mind’s eye, move with me as I look to a few scenarios. Henry is an alcoholic and for years he has concealed drunk driving, loss of jobs and difficulty raising his son. His destructive patterns have caused pain for many, and others pretend not to see the problem at all.

Shelby is a woman who is pregnant outside of marriage. She is one of the blind following the blind as she enters an abortion clinic believing that what others tell her is true, that the child she carries, is nothing more than a few cells. She is looking for a lifeline, but it seems far away veiled off by darkness and tears that sting her face.

Todd has a neighbor that is victimizing the young and most vulnerable. He has seen the man manipulate and charm young girls into situations that provide him “a little extra cash.” Todd has turned a blind eye to the suffering that he knows occurs because he is fearful of offending his acquaintance with the words, “stop what you are doing.” Perhaps the man will hurt him and so it is better to pretend not to see it.

Anna is a woman who repeats the phrase, “love is blind” as she allows herself to get carried away by the romantic promises of a man not her husband. She feels carefree when wearing blinders and rose-colored glasses because then, she can see only what she chooses to, at least for awhile until the film on the glass is streaked away by the reality of losing a family and all that was once precious for someone who has moved on to offering a romantic promise to someone new.

How many of us have chosen to turn a blind eye to those we see in situations like these and many others? How often have we chided that it is “too late” or “not my responsibility”, “not my job” and perhaps, “there is nothing I can do”? How often have we let our own fear and our own shame stop us from reaching out and making a change? What are we purposefully staying blind to? Are we meant to stay in this way of being or does God call us to something different?

I have known some of these characters and situations. Loving those who have an addiction and waiting on them to change, is painful. Talking with someone who is grieving a relationship gone the wrong way, is heartbreaking. Sitting with a child who has been molested and knowing that someone not only knew but could have done something, is gut wrenching. Often, I do not understand why things happen and there are days when I cannot see the promise. I feel blind-sided when those I care about hurt and when my life also comes undone in some way.

Jesus though, sees our faults and the darkness that threatens to consume us. He looks upon our inner selves with our closed eyes and our hearts turned away. Jesus does, call us to something different. He calls us to be blinded by the light—His light, that turns night into day and sorrow into joy. His light that guides, that shines out and says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” Luke 6:31 (NIV). Jesus called all those who have sinned in one way or another and so, He has also called each of us to new life and promise in Him. Perhaps rather than turning a blind eye to the situations of this upside-down world that cause us to be discouraged, we should rise into the Light of a new day; take the blinders off and see. Stop following the blind and lead by example. Stop turning a blind eye and act in the Love of God to rescue and offer hope. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV), “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” We should always remember that God, our great Creator, “let light shine out of darkness” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV) and into our hearts. It is my hope that all everywhere, may be blinded by His extraordinary light.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Arlene Baker
06/11/21
This article has great possibilities with some rewriting. Here are my suggestions:
1. The hook is weak in that it explains what most people already know
2. take only one of the three examples and build your case. Pull the reader in with emotion, not facts. That is showing and not telling.
3. Try to write the entire piece without using the challenge word. Let the reader find the challenge word within the story.
4. Conclude how Jesus heals us to see as he sees, again, avoiding direct use of the challenge word.
Hope that helps and keep writing!
Avigail David
06/14/21
Thank you so much! You've defined the positive and practical acts of blind-to mercies and grace towards people who suffer. I love what you said, "Look to the Light". Indeed, at the end of that long dark tunnel here on earth, we, may be the shining light, Yeshua (Jesus)the Light is from from our source of strength comes from.

As you allude, being blind-to is hard but is a good thing of grace and love.

Blessings!