Presence

Reflecting on today’s lessons, reminded me of the story of two horses, and of something a colleague once wrote. “From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop you will notice something quite amazing…. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that it is blind. The owner chose not to have the blind horse put down, and made a good home for him. However, if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. If one looks around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to that horse’s halter is a small bell, which lets the blind horse know where the smaller horse is – so the blind horse can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and the blind horse listens for the bell and then slowly walks toward the other horse, trusting that he will not be led astray. Each evening, when the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn, it stops and looks back occasionally – making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.”

My colleague shared, “The Lord can definitely use people who care and people who are committed, and it’s good to see God can also use people who are crippled. . . I’m a living witness that God can use people like me—-Paralyzed by my past; paralyzed by my haters; paralyzed by my fears, but ‘God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind.’(2 Tim. 1:7).”[1]

Like the owner of the two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. God brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes, we are the blind horse guided by the ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way – each role is important.

In anticipation of Holy Week, and as we enter into this sacred time, we may be faced with moments of challenge, and it is during those moments, I encourage us to ask the Holy Spirit to come – come into our hearts and into our minds so that we may love generously, care deeply and speak kindly.

I also want to encourage you to remember that regardless of what your role is, always be kind and compassionate because you may meet someone paralyzed by life’s circumstances. It is during those times that we are called to live into being God’s hands, feet and heart and to make a difference. How will you?

Peace.

[1] Derek Pickett, The African-American Pulpit, Spring 2008, 50.

Zelda Kennedy is the Senior Associate for Pastoral Care Healing and Health at All Saints Church in Pasadena.