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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: BLIND (06/03/21)
Every time I search the scriptures, I learn something new. For example, in his first epistle chapter 2 and verse 11, John explains how the darkness of hatred in the heart blinds the eyes. In other words you see only what you want to see. During one phase in my life I experienced the truth of these words. At that time I was living in a nice independent senior apartment complex in upstate New York.


This apartment complex was situated in the downtown area of a small city. Every place I needed to go was within walking distance. My apartment was on the third floor and hence free from dust and pollution. As most of the tenants were Christians, we enjoyed Bible study, Hymn singing and fellowship. I was very happy there. Then, one day I had a minor stroke that left my speech impaired and my handwriting erratic and scratchy. Otherwise I was okay. But my doctor said that I should not live alone. He suggested that I move in with family or consider shifting to Assisted Living accommodations. I prayed about it and asked God for guidance.


Finally, I was led to accept my daughter's invitation to live on her farm in Florida. I knew it was God's plan, because He arranged for the move smoothly and swiftly. In my daughter's house I had a separate portion with a small garden and a porch. There were flowers every where. Clouds were white, the sky was blue, the grass was green.Silence ruled except for the chirruping of birds and the chattering of squirrels. After the hustle and bustle of city life, I appreciated the serene quietness of farm life. But not for long. Like the Jews in the wilderness, who longed for the comforts of Egypt, I missed the fellowship of my friends in the city.


The joys of solitude faded into the darkness of loneliness and despair. I became blind to God's blessings and ungratefully complained and grumbled. It is in such circumstances that I feel the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Not only does He teach me all things, but also reminds me of all things (John 14:26). That day He reminded me of Paul's life in the Arabian desert for three years (Galatians 1:17).



I believe that God called Paul away from the busy city life into the stark loneliness of the desert because He wanted to have a personal relationship with him. Those three years alone with God made Paul a compassionate, courageous, faithful man well equipped to be one of Christianity's greatest missionaries. God also blessed him with wisdom and knowledge to write about half of the New Testament. There is a reason why God calls us out of our comfort zones.


However, I do not know why He has called me to Florida. But during this period I have been able to read and understand His Word, and spend time in His presence praying and praising. I may never be a missionary or write an epistle but I know I am a better Christian. I thank God for curing my blindness and opening my eyes to see His wonders.




This is a true story.

All scripture references are from KJV
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This article has been read 285 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sue Botte 
06/10/21
Thank you for sharing your testimony.
Arlene Baker
06/10/21
I can appreciate this article as I approach senior years as well! Here are a few suggestions:
1. Learn to write with active verbs, not passive. Makes the story pace livelier.
2. Don't resort to telling the reader the facts. Get the reader into the story
3. Show your wonderful life in NY. The joy you had with your friends. Show your appreciation for your new home. Cause the reader to hear the birds, feel the sun on their own skin, etc. Emotion moves stories.
4. Show your "blindness." There is no need to use the actual word of the challenge. Let the reader pick that up for themselves.
5. end with a strong conclusion, an a-ha moment we can all relate to because we have all lost sight of important things from time to time.
Hope that helps. God bless and keep writing!
Laura Manley
06/10/21
I'm far from an expert in reviewing, but quite frankly, I enjoyed this entry very much. One of the highlights, to me, was the following:
"There were flowers every where. Clouds were white, the sky was blue, the grass was green.Silence ruled except for the chirruping of birds and the chattering of squirrels." I could imagine myself in your new home. I would suggest that you look into a good punctuation/grammar tool in that I did notice some areas that need work. God bless!
Bea Edwards 
06/15/21
Your title was a wonderful beginning to your own example of how God brings us out of spiritual blindness.

Your descriptions of new life within your daughters home and its beauty becoming a place of grumbling, then comparing it to the Israelites having been freed from Egypt was quite good.

Arlene is giving great advice.
Avigail David
06/16/21
What a lovely, sweet and wonderful story! Indeed, your quiet, peaceful place in Florida looks like the better and safer place God has placed you. God bless your daughter for her honor of you by inviting you to her home of, "milk and honey".

Thank you for sharing your precious story.