Encounter with Spiritual Blindness
By Brittany, AZ
I was blind. Not physically blind, but spiritually blind. From Pre-school until eighth grade I was lucky enough to have a Christian education. I did not realize how much it helped to be around God’s Word all the time and to be with people who also share the same beliefs.
Then for my freshman year, I was sent to a public high school. I did not know anyone and was desperate to fit in. I made some friends that were not exactly the right choice, but hey I didn’t care; it was someone to hang out with. I started doing the things they did, which included skipping school and partying. I didn’t even realize it, but I was slowly getting unhappier and unhappier. I knew all of the things I was doing were bad and against God’s Word, but the need to fit in was greater at the time.
Without being reminded that God was there to help me with my problems, I felt alone and so burdened with the problems of everyday life. I got to a point in my life that I never want to be at again. I was depressed, I fought with my parents constantly, and I gave up on school because I just didn’t care anymore. My parents realized I needed to get out of there...and fast. So the second semester of sophomore year, I was transferred over to Arizona Lutheran Academy. Slowly my life began to change. My grades started improving, I got along with my parents, and I met new people who also shared the same beliefs that I do. I was around God’s Word everyday which opened my mind and heart to all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. I was no longer blind.
Now I realize how much I have been blessed and that God is there for me. I never again have to feel alone or so burdened that I just want to give up. I thank God every day for turning my life around and giving me amazing friends and family, an awesome boyfriend, and the knowledge that God is and always will be with me to hold me up when times get tough. A passage that I live by and that helps keep me going when things aren’t going my way is Jeremiah 29:11-12: ""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.""