Blinded

BlindedBlinded Blinded

By: Xiomara Eve Montalvo

The expanse of time, that comprises the entirety of the years of life we live, is molded by Infuence. Some of us are raised to understand that the clothing iron is hot so it may not be wise to touch it. Chicken cannot be eaten straight from the freezer because it is still frozen and raw. Candles should not be played with despite how nice they smell because we would like to keep the houses we live in. And although a key is small enough to fit in the electrical wall socket does not mean we can “unlock” it hoping it opens a door to another world. These are just some examples of teachings that have influenced our growth as children from our parents or guardians.

As we grow into the period of adolescence, things start to get a little rocky. Now there more voices from a plethora of people that we can listen to besides our guardians. We begin to listen to the television shows that depict that if you act or dress a certain way you can obtain popularity. We begin to listen to that one guy in school who is always telling you, “You’re ugly and you don’t belong here.” We begin to listen to that neighbor who offers you to try “special” pills that will melt all your worries away. We begin to listen to the group of students that call themselves “cool” that if you wanted to join them you have to pick on that other kid with glasses that is shy. We even listen to that close friend that says to ignore their bruises and scars because they are okay. A blindfold appears in front of you, dangling, as the influences increase. Influences that shape our malleable minds and chisel our characters well into adulthood.

As adults, we assume that we are now in control of the decisions we make. We define ourselves, right? Yet we listen to Desperation disguised as a coworker that suggests that if you want to progress in the company you should start to do some self compromising things. We listen to Anxiety where she says your check will not be enough so it is okay to steal a couple of things. We listen to Low Self-Esteem while they whisper that you will never be as attractive as magazine and billboard models. We listen to Sorrow as his tears fill bottles of alcohol and offers them to you to dive in to. We listen to Loneliness as she comforts you saying that being alone is your reality because no one wants your company. The blindfold is securely tied tight at this point. It is dark and we cannot see anymore. We cannot distinguish between the various voices either. Then we ask ourselves, “Where am I goIng? WaIt..Who am I?”

See there is this guy named Saul. Frankly speaking, he was not the best guy in the neighborhood. Tons of people could not tolerate him because he made it his job to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ. He was the negative influence. His reputation preceded him where-ever he went. Saul did what he believed was the right thing. He believed Christians were a menace and as the big bad wolf of sorts, he got rid of them. Saul was acting out blindly. He was wandering around with his very own blindfold. Until one day, on one of his travels he encountered something otherworldly. A truly blinding light knocked the poor guy right off his feet. It was the impact needed that changed his very life. He made contact with the Redeemer, the very same one of which he was persecuting his people. Christ humbled him, and showed him how he could be brought to the side of light so he too can be saved and inturn save others. The negative influences that defined Saul as a person would be forever changed as Christ removed his blindfold and Saul could truly see now.

Saul may have been blindfolded for a time but through Christ he was made new. He was then known as Paul and Paul walked out in faith with his new found sight. Just like Paul, Jesus Christ can remove the blindfold of the lies, shut the mouths of the voices of your past, and redefine the negative influences into testimonies that will strengthen you.

Through Jesus Christ WE CAN SEE!