Friday, March 26, 2010

The Blind Side

"The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." Amelia Earhart:

We watched the movie The Blind Side. For anyone who hasn't seen it....it's a true story about a family who made a difference in the life of a streetkid. A co-worker read my book...told me she saw the movie....it reminded her of me.....She pushed me to go see it.  

It was simliliar in ways. Raised with pain...alone...outcast...labeled....someone's  kindness....God's touch - a life changed.

Her name was Lane. She was a social worker....and she was there for me...when no one else was. Her supervisor warned her to keep a distance...to not get too close...not get involved. I'm not sure why she didn't take her advice....but I'm really grateful she didn't. 

She was there when no one else was. She believed in me...she cared...she stayed. My life...completely out of control...yet she saw something no one else did....she spoke words that made a difference...words that have stayed with me ever since that first time she said them..."I believe in you. You can do it. I believe you'll make it.......I know you will." 

Those words....her words....powerful.  Her actions....kind.....they made a difference. They made a difference to a street kid who everyone said would never make it....who couldn't cope without the needle...without profesional involvement....destined to live on welfare...in and out of facilities...maybe working in a mediocare job....living a substandard life. 

Once...when I was locked up...she told me to call her house every night at four.....talk to my mother until I get home from work. I did...her mother told me she believed in me too. Those words...their kindness pushed me to fight....pushed me to want to make it. It's weird...really weird.. their words...their kindness still motivates something in me to keep moving forward.  

Lost + broken + kindness + His touch = healing + freedom.

29 comments:

Mary said...

First I am thankful someone cared and stayed with you - you were/are worth her staying with and for.

It also gets me thinking. Sometimes we have to feel, experience, kindness before we can accept the love of God. Jesus took care of many physical and emotional needs before he healed them. We are his hands and feet.....

Thank you for this post - I am convicted here. I think God is moving me out of my too little world.

Hugs!!

Dulçe ♥ said...

Oh those angels everywhere... exactly in the right place and at the right time... for the right PERSON!

hugs
;)

Andrea said...

AMEN...all it takes is ONE PERSON to make a difference!
Hugs, andrea

RCUBEs said...

I'm glad God sends those kind of people to help us out...Because it's Him working behind everything. Glory to God!

I had problem the other day ordering book. I think my server was the cause. So I'll try again sister...Blessings and have a great weekend to you.

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

I love that movie!

And I'm so glad you had someone in your life like that. We all need people to believe in us.

Lisa said...

I really want to see that movie. And I'm so glad that God sent someone to care for and about you during the low points in your life.

Hugs,
Lisa

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Bless you. May our Lord Jesus comfort you in your time of need. God bless, Lloyd

Unknown said...

Incredible movie! I am so glad that you were blessed to have that one person in your corner. I'm in your corner now too!!! Don't forget that! :o)

peet said...

We are grateful for those
people God sends to us as
instruments of His peace.

Pete.

Jennifer said...

We are hoping to see the movie on DVD. I have a similar story, but not the same as my situation is different. But I had someone who did not give up on me. She said she always saw me...the real me. She was a therapist herself, but I was not a client, I was a friend.

These connections are very special, very genuine, and I am very thankful for them. Especially for people like us. Maybe, they see parts of themselves in us. I feel this way about others now. I feel like that is what compassion derives from. I simply see myself in others - and just know that love really can save us. YES IT CAN!

Denise said...

I praise God for you daily, love you.

Margie said...

Hi Sarah
So loved The Blind Side and what a blessing it was to have that dear lady on your side!

Have a wonderful, joyful weekend!

Margie :)

Unknown said...

I want to thank you for stopping by my blog and for your constant encouragement of the gifts God has bestowed upon me..I want you to KNOW that you constantly are making a difference in my life...DAILY!!! Thank you for being a true vessel of the Holy Spirit. Love and blessings to you dear friend ;=o)

Paula said...

I am glad that you have had someone believing in you and reminding you of what YOU can do. You ahve doen and do it every day again. MIll of hugs to beautiful Sarah

Wondering Soul said...

Your post leaves me without words.
It speaks on a level I can't quite respond on.
x

Wondering Soul said...

Your post leaves me without words.
It speaks on a level I can't quite respond on.
x

Karen said...

Will have to see this movie...

We are to be the hands and feet of the Lord and minister to others in need...so glad Lane and her mom were obedient and showed this love to you...and now you are extending that same compassion to others...you are such a blessing!

One Prayer Girl said...

You summed it all up so perfectly in your final equation.

PG

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

kindness is such a simple thing, and yet because it has the power of God behind it, it can change lives.

agnitrisha said...

God bless her.

faith and kindness can transform greatest despair into hope.

met such a person so i know how powerful that is.

Paula said...

Dear one, had to come back and gie oyu a hug. I am going to see Blidn Side next Saturday. Love, Paula

MTJ said...

Good morning,

I think each of us can look back and recognize someone who wouldn't give up on us, demonstrated incredible patience, loving concern and encouragement. I'm thankful to God for people like Lane. Your life represents her investment in you and a tribute to God's unfailing love.

My Thought-filled Journey

Terri Tiffany said...

What a blessing she was for you! I wish I could be that kind of social worker--and really make a difference for someone.

Lily said...

Such an amazing movie and powerful message to put out in the world. Your actions can help someone more than you know. I am so grateful you had Lane in your life!!!!

Elizabeth Bradley said...

I just saw the move a couple of nights ago. It was moving. I took in my 16 yr old nephew by marriage and did everything for him that the mom in the movie did. Our nephew's mother was on crack and a hooker on the streets in Las Vegas, he had been sexually and mentally abused by his mother's boyfriends. In the end, he ran away. I could not help him. So, the movie made me happy, I wished our situation could have turned out so wonderfully. Ah, well, you can only try.

Grace said...

That is a beautiful story..you're beautiful

Journal of Healing said...

I just saw the Blindside Sat night for the first time. It was amazing. There were so many elements of that movie I was also able to relate to. Thanks for sharing. ((YOU)).

ang

Marj aka Thriver said...

This is such a great movie. I wouldn't, ordinarily, see a football movie, but this one has such an inspiring message. I saw it at the theater with a friend. I realized, just the other day, how inspired I still am by it as I was telling my husband about it. I'm so glad Sandra Bullock got the Oscar for her role in it. She did a fantastic job!

Syd said...

It's important to have someone there when we least expect them to be. It shows me that my Higher Power is working in my life.