Laughing in the Dark
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The Bible tells us that laughter is good, like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). I have certainly found that to be true. When you read my blog, Laughing in the Dark, you will learn how laughing at myself helped to transform the way I faced the challenges of losing my sight. The laughter gave me a dose of spiritual healing for my heart and brought light into a world that once I considered only darkness.
Laugh along with me as you read, Laughing in the Dark.
Laughing In the Dark
The process of going blind was slow, terrifying and debilitating. I gradually saw the world literally disappear before my eyes. Now, the sight before my eyes is a horizon of dark grey shadows, from north to south and from east to west. There are no colors, no shapes, no buildings, no people. Only darkness most of the time. Yes, I said most of the time, not all of the time. I will share with you the day when God taught me how to see the world behind my sight. Not walking by depending on my natural eyes, but to now walk by faith: leaning on my spiritual sight, which will never leave me. This is my sight behind sight.
I had recently lost all my sight and was struggling with my inability to see the world. Everything in my life felt as if it had disappeared. So one day, I was lost in my living room. Yes, actually standing in the middle of my living room with my arms flailing around and my feet stepping hesitantly forwards and backwards. I felt as if I were lost in space, like an astronaut out in a vast, dark universe. There were no walls or ceilings, no compass to direct my way. I was almost in tears as I blindly reached out in the shadows of my living room, trying to find my way to the kitchen.
My frustration was at the boiling point when I heard a quiet but firm voice say, “You look so funny right now.” I could not believe my ears. I asked, “What?” The voice repeated its words and added a slight chuckle. Still now, and listening, I imagined myself as a stranger watching me and the way I was moving in my living room. Yes, I did look funny, sort of like Elaine when she did that iconic silly dance on Seinfeld. I shook my head and laughed at myself. I said out loud, “Yes, it is funny, but Lord, it also isn’t funny. I need help.”
The voice of the Holy Spirit spoke to me again. He said, “Just because you can no longer see the world, that does not mean the world has disappeared.” I listened carefully, knowing I was being taught a profound lesson. The spirit continued, “You are in your home, where you have lived for many years. You know this space, you remember this space.”
I began to see behind my eyes a picture of the major furniture in my living room: the sofa, the table, and the shape layout of the room. I began to breathe easier. I slowly began to walk more by faith, knowing that God is with me and will help me to see.
From that day forward, I became less afraid of the dark and developed new ways of seeing. I learned to use my memory, my senses and technology to make the world more accessible. I joined organizations and learned from others who are blind and have low vision how they navigate in the world.
Losing my natural sight was a life-altering experience. But learning to see in other ways has given me a closer walk by faith with God, always lighting my way.
‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;’ Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Now, miraculously, I sometimes see only a bright light in my eyes. It really fills up the whole horizon of my eye. It reminds me of the scripture that says, ‘And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. ‘ Revelation 22:5 (KJV)
There is no rhyme or reason to when it happens. I can be indoors or outdoors. But there are moments when my eyes are just still with that blinding bright light, so bright it almost hurts my eyes; but the dark is completely gone. I feel that it is God reminding me that His light is always with me, helping to light my way.
I wrote the song, Light My Way, as my testimony of this personal experience. It is my favorite song on my album, Daily Reverence.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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