I Once Was Blind

...that's actually a partially true statement. In elementary school, I had the worst eye sight, but then I got glasses and was able to declare, "Now I see!". Okay, okay, cheesy story, I know, but I just wanted to show that I know what it's like to go from blind to seeing. Everything becomes so much clearer and it's almost like a new world. Perhaps you've guessed it already, but this week, we watched Amazing Grace in class. I've actually seen the movie before, but it was definitely a different experience having studied the history of America and the struggles America had on their path to abolition.

Amazing Grace is about William Wilberforce, the "force" and voice behind the British movement for abolition. It took several years before he saw any success in Parliament despite relentless effort in finding evidence and members to support his cause. I think it telling that he had integrity enough be considered an independent in Parliament. He joined no party and rather voted Tory or Whig depending upon the merit of their argument. And he sacrificed his mind and health to see the end of an institution that was such an ingrained part of the British economy. He knew what was right and wasn't afraid to stand up for it. He is an example even to us now.

How often have I been faced with opportunities to stand up for what I know is right? And how many times I have acted upon those opportunities? How many times will I be called on still to stand up for what I believe? The opportunities are sure to come, because they are our tests in life, to see if we are able to choose light over darkness and lies over truth. Hopefully we can all learn a lesson from Mr. Wilberforce who sacrificed so much for a cause that wasn't even his. I think once we understand and are able to emulate him in his efforts, we are finally able to say that now we see.