Thursday, June 9, 2011

Labeled... Run for the Cure!



What impressed me about this picture was the lable around the woman's neck...  If you look at her eyes you can already come to your own conclusion she is most likely, at least partially, blind. 

How humiliating to have to wear this sign around your neck announcing your incapability!  I know this day and age it is politically incorrect to say "incapability" with relation to any physical or mental impairment... In fact, the word "impairment" may be politically incorrect by now... But in order to get the point across please allow me this luxury without judgement of the language in this blog. Besides, with regards to the "incapability" of it all: how could you feel capable with this "warning" preceding your presence?  No matter how capable you actually are, no matter how unlimited you actually are by your blindness, the judgement of incapability is most likely to be made by those who see the sign before they would ever have a moment to view your achievements.

What if we still had to wear a "blind" sign around our neck!?  I suppose it may be helpful in some situations: if you knew someone was blind to their own selfishness and would never be willing to compromise you may not move in with them... Or you could stay away from that person with the "blind" attitude they just can't see in the mirror who would also not see the hurt they've caused by their off-the-cuff commentary and judgement of every person's worth and action within a large proximity to them. Even the one who is "blind" to hardships that can come into a life and would have no empathy or sympathy for the person standing next to them they've just cut in front of in a coffee shop line-up who may have just lost their job, family or home. A "blind" sign for the opposite sex you are thinking of pursuing who carries more baggage than a US Airways jetliner... Yes, in those situations, as well as some others I'm sure you can think of on your own, the "blind" sign might just be the perfect solution! ha!

In all seriousness, although it may not be a physical "blindness," in some ways, to some situations, people or problems we all are "blind." We all have that one "blind" spot we miss in seemingly every situation or person; that one warning sign not seen when there's about to be a fatal crash just around the corner of your life's path or relationship... What if you had to wear a "blind" sign announcing that one weakness, that one thing you work so feverishly to change but at this moment still fall short of "curing?"  You desire people get a sense of who you are through your presence but instead they see you're "blind" sign and immediately view you as incapable.

I had an uncle who was blind... He was a preacher/evangelist greatly used by God. But the story I remember hearing that most impressed me about him was he made and installed his own kitchen cabinets... Now I know what you're thinking in your own politically incorrect manner haha! I saw those cabinets and I can attest to the fact had a person not known they were build by a blind man previous to the viewing it's not something you would ever guess on your own! They were impeccable, level, painted well, every piece in place and finished perfectly!

Thank God, just like my uncle's cabinets we do not have to wear a "blind" sign!  But it would benefit us not forget everyone is "blind" in their own way... We are all working on "curing" some part of who we are, how we thing or an action, better yet, reaction.  Do not forget your own "blindness" and make room for others as well, don't judge them based on the moment you notice their "blind" sign after all it doesn't read "incapable." Realize, like you, that person may be very aware they are "blind" they may be self conscious and expecting judgement based on their "blindness alone, be the person who gives understanding, acceptance and encouragement instead!  Be the one who "runs for the cure" with them instead of being part of the disease that fights against their cure!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I've been "Blind" for many years and far too long. I hope you never lose that spark in you when you write. I deeply enjoy reading your blogs.