He wasn’t always blind, but had eye surgery, as
an adult, after a misdiagnosis of malignant melanoma. As a sighted person, he drank a lot and
smoked up to five packs of cigarettes a day, used drugs and was nearing despair! But one day on top of Mount Katahdin, Maine
he fell to his knees to pray.
His life was changed, and he made the decision to walk the Appalachian Trail as a testament to his living faith. He shared his faith as he stopped for food at grocery stores or did laundry at the laundry mat. He also shared the Gospel with children he passed along the way. With dedication to his faith, determination and set mind despite his handicap, he chose to not use maps or a compass, but relied entirely on his dog and his faith in God for guidance.1
His life was changed, and he made the decision to walk the Appalachian Trail as a testament to his living faith. He shared his faith as he stopped for food at grocery stores or did laundry at the laundry mat. He also shared the Gospel with children he passed along the way. With dedication to his faith, determination and set mind despite his handicap, he chose to not use maps or a compass, but relied entirely on his dog and his faith in God for guidance.1
Having a set mind with determination
and grit can take a person a long way. I
suggest however, that in our day to day lives, sometimes it takes more than
resolve, purpose, fortitude or even grit.
Circumstances like health conditions, trauma, homesickness, grief,
abuse, stressful events, and exhaustion can all be catalysts in the progression
of depression. When any kind of
substance abuse is added, whether it be illegal drug use, alcohol or even prescribed
pain medication, the “cup” is tilted and running over into a sinking chasm of
despair. This is what happened to Mr. Irwin in his early life.
Our lives are a journey which cannot
be done alone. It takes human
companionship with those who will encourage, build up-or hold up, advise, share
trials, and good times. It’s a
connection that must not be ignored, because the lack of it will cause an
almost unbearable loneliness.
Something greater than human
companionship is the relationship with Christ.
This relationship is so important, to spend a single day without this communion
is nothing less than critical! We have
an innate desire for friendship and fellowship and this desire is greatest for
the Christ. He demonstrates His wonder
in the world around us, and His love through the gift of His sacrifice of life
on the cross. Once we come to know Him,
there is no greater joy than communion with Him. Bill Irwin learned this as a blind man, but
could see clearer than many of us!
Great peace and a heart that is full
to overflowing fills our being when we stop to talk with the Father. And when we also listen, He speaks to our hearts
in ways beyond description, yet so real there can be no doubt.
So I challenge you to consider what
it is you would most like to accomplish.
Have a set mind, with determination and grit, but also an inexpressible
love for the God of the Universe. He is the Great Creator who can open doors
humans cannot. He is our source of
strength, encouragement, wonder, power, guidance and so much more when we ask
Him to be.
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