My Story

One of the more interesting things about me is that I'm blind in my left eye. When I was a child, the doctors found cataracts in both eyes. I had surgery in my left eye but subsequently found out I had gotten glaucoma in that eye as well which had destroyed my optic nerve. So for most of my life, I have not had any vision in that eye. When you can only see in one eye, it affects your depth perception. So even simple things can be difficult like pouring liquids into glasses or spoons. And playing any kind of ball sports has been difficult.

The greatest challenge came when I started driving, though. Although my vision was sufficient at first to drive during the day, the cataract in my right eye made it really hard to see through the glare of lights at night. I had numerous small accidents as a result. (not to mention being a reckless teenager!) Many years later, as a young working adult, the cataract had progressed, and I could no longer drive during the day. I was fully dependent on my wife to get me wherever I needed to go. Finally, I told God that I wanted to see!

There is a parallel story in an ancient book of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus.

46 They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. 47 When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!" 48 Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped in his tracks. "Call him over." They called him. "It's your lucky day! Get up! He's calling you to come!" 50 Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said, "What can I do for you?" The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "On your way," said Jesus. "Your faith has saved and healed you." In that very instant he recovered his sight and followed Jesus down the road. (Mark 10:46-52)

Jesus showed him mercy! By calling Jesus the Son of David, he was acknowledging his faith in him as God's chosen servant. As a result, he was both saved and healed and began following Jesus.

When I called out to God, I was not instantly healed but he did lead me to a doctor who was able to remove my cataract and implant a artificial lens into my eye. Now I can see normally in my right eye. That was many years ago, but I am still just as grateful to God now as I was then.

Hear the story of Bartimaeus in song.

Just as God "healed" me, He has also saved me through Jesus Christ and now I know him personally. Would you like to know how?