Despite, or perhaps partly because of, my newly-identified face blindness, I love whoever is in front of me, whether I recognise them or not. Now that I know I am face-blind, today’s blog encapsulates what I want to explain to those whose path I cross.
Acknowledging my face blindness openly, rather than hiding my lack of recognition, or faking recognition, is completely new for me. My hope is that this will make my life a lot less stressful than before.
Meanwhile, I take comfort from the fact that even Mary and the other disciples did not immediately recognise Jesus after his resurrection. God had a plan and a purpose for them, and also has a plan and a purpose for me, though I have no idea what it is. My face blindness is therefore not an accident, and God will bring good out of it for others, and perhaps even for me. As St. Paul writes: “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28; NLT).
So here is today’s blog…
God kept them from recognizing him (Luke 24:16; NLT).
Although I cannot recognise
Your face, please know: I care.
No matter who you are, I’d like
To listen, help, or share.
Although I can’t recall your name
I’m ready: fully here –
So I’ll be honest, as I face,
And overcome, my fear.
Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).
References
She turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not recognize that it was Jesus (John 20:14; BSB).
Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:35; BSB).
Christ is all, and is in all (Colossians 3:11; NIV).
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40; NIV).
Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NKJV).
Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).
Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).
Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT).