BLINDNESS

 Some time ago in Worcester we made some brand new friends.

A number of blind people; the sort the Father sends, To check your Christianity and all the things we do; To be a better neighbour to those we never knew. The town had many features to help those without sight. The traffic lights had special sounds so they could get things right. The school for the blind children was just along the street, And every Sunday morning a few of us would meet. At first it really bothered us to lead this little band. Of course they were all children from all parts of our land. They had a special hymn book with all the words in Braille They’d read them with their fingers and the hymns were never stale. The reason for their blindness was hard to ascertain. Some had a little vision and could lead them down the lane. We loved those little children assisting them through school. They had a sort of attitude that said “I’m not a fool”. At times it could get difficult until they trusted us. And there would be an attitude of not making a fuss. They had a special leader who always had been blind. We found she was approachable and wonderfully kind. One thing we found amusing was when we raised our voice; She said that she could hear us. “I’m blind not deaf” of course. The time we spent in Worcester helped us both to see, The things we take for granted in our own society. We saw it was essential to take someone by the hand, And help them cross the road to get to somewhere they had planned. What really touched our spirit was the way they seemed to trust. Although they were unsighted they could “see” each one of us. They knew that we were present although they couldn’t see. A bit like how we’re limited in our ability. We cannot see the spirit world but know that it is there. And have a closer contact through the medium of prayer. It made us think of Jesus and the way He gives us sight, Even in the darkness of a world without His light. We know that He is present by the way He takes our hand And helps us to cross over into His Promised Land. We know He’s like His Father; He’s the image of our God. He lets us be aware of Him and doesn’t think it odd, That we should call Him “brother”; He thinks that it is right; For people in His image to walk in endless light. He looks just like His Father and enthrones us in His love; For He’s the incarnation of the God who reigns above. Jim Strickland – written Wednesday, 27 July 2011