On Finding Nemo (An Example of Hope)

My mother-in-law, Hope, is legally blind. For a while, it has sometimes been difficult for her to travel alone or to experience new things because of this. For the last month, however, she has been in Michigan with a program called LeaderDogs. LeaderDogs pairs dogs with the blind in order to give them increased mobility, independence, and companionship (check them out – www.leaderdog.org). There, she was paired with Nemo, a black Labrador. She was immediately lifted by her new partner and had many ups and a few downs as they got to learn one another. The day after she arrived back to her hometown, she was immediately offered an opportunity to go to Richmond, VA in two weeks. It was as if God was approving of her desire to seek new opportunities in her life. Before attending LeaderDogs, she likely would not have considered such a trip. But now with Nemo, she can travel more confidently and more fully experience the world around her. It felt like a divine reward for her obedience and courage.


Hope’s example has really spoken to me. It has shown me what God can do with those who place their trust in Him and move forward. In life, things are not easy. We don’t always know the way and are constantly bumping our spiritual heads. Yet God does not desire us to be perfect, to never fall, to never trip or stumble. He only desires us to put our faith in Him. That is what Hope has done. She is now not walking by sight, but she is walking by trusting in Nemo and herself. I believe this mirrors a life of faith. One where we don’t simply trust what we see or know (which is limited, narrow, and at times deceiving), but we live by faith (our spiritual guide).


Who then is our Nemo, our spiritual “LeaderDog”? It is the Holy Spirit. God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us. John 16:13 says "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." The Spirit of truth is God’s answer for all of us who are blind. He is our leader and guide, our compass in the confusion, our light in darkness. What this shows is that the danger in living a life of faith is not in being blind - we are all blind to a degree in this life. The danger is in not believing; not putting your trust in God through the Holy Spirit. Put simply, God can help someone who cannot see, He cannot help someone who cannot believe (John 20:29 below). If you are discouraged that you can’t see how everything is working in life or exactly where you’re headed, trust Hope’s example, trust the Holy Spirit… and keep walking.




Lord, thank You for the testimony of those in our society who are in some way differently-abled. Being blind, deaf, mute, etc. makes no one less of a person. In fact, it may heighten their humanity. Bless them in their lives. There is no way for me to know that experience, but I believe they have the daily opportunity to sense you in a real and personal way. They put their trust in You and in the strength You’ve given to them and they march forward. Lord, please allow us all to be inspired by one another and to live by faith and not by sight. Please close our eyes and open our hearts. Lead us into all truths and a new life of victory. You are our blessed Father, Savior, and Leader. Thank You. Amen.



Blinded by You,
Jeremy









John 20:29 - Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.