The Blind Side ∙
Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:10
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.
James 2:14-17
15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well,” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So, you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
The Blind Side is a poignant and moving film inspired by the true story of Michael Oher. Released in 2009, it earned over $300 million at the U.S. box office. The movie features Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. Leigh Anne is an unconventional Southern woman, while Michael is a large, imposing, homeless, and traumatized 17-year-old. Raised in the projects of Memphis, TN, Michael separated early from his drug-addicted mother and cycled through the foster care system, eventually becoming homeless and alone. Despite his circumstances, he attended high school and did his best to survive.
After a basketball game, the Tuohy family saw Michael, known as Big Mike, waiting for the crowd to leave so he could collect uneaten popcorn from the stands. Another day, while driving home, they noticed him walking alone in the cold without a jacket. Leigh Anne stopped the car and questioned where he was headed and why he was out in the cold without proper clothing. Realizing he had no home, she learned he was going to sleep in the warm school gym.
Deeply moved by his situation, Leigh Anne invited Michael to stay with the Tuohy family for the night. Soon after, the family decided to adopt him. This act of kindness transformed Michael’s life. He went on to become an All-American football player and a first-round NFL draft pick, enjoying a successful career as an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.
“The Blind Side” teaches several profound lessons about compassion.
1. When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.
The Tuohy family, owners of numerous chain restaurants, had more than enough for themselves. Leigh Anne acted out of love, opening her heart and home to Michael. She provided him with his first-ever bed and the unconditional love and security of a family. Their generosity profoundly changed both Michael’s life and their own for the better.
2. Parenting is about love, not blood or skin color.
“Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them,” said Leigh Anne Tuohy. The Tuohys understood that love transcends visual differences. They saw beyond skin color and biological ties, adopting Michael into their family because they connected with him on a deeper level and formed a deep emotional bond.
3. When a child is loved and given a chance, they can thrive.
Children can find success in life when they receive love and support from a caring family.
4. Don’t let others’ judgments stop you from helping those in need.
Leigh Anne made it clear to her friends that while she didn’t need their approval, she did expect their respect: “Look. Here’s the deal. I don’t need y’all to approve of my choices. But I do ask that you respect them. You have no idea what this boy has been through.”
5. The love of a family is forever.
The Tuohy family faced many challenges after adopting Michael, but they ensured that their love remained unconditional and everlasting. (https://understandingcompassion.com/)
REFLECT & PRAY
The Father consistently presents us with opportunities to connect with individuals who can become our neighbors.
Father, help me stay vigilant and mindful of the opportunities you offer to extend kindness and compassion to those in need.
INSIGHT
The Father set an exceptionally high standard of compassion for the children of the King to uphold. This standard is so elevated that it seems almost unattainable. The average person soon starts to rationalize and find ways to evade it.
We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. The soulish mind asks, “Who is my neighbor?” For the children of the King, this is entirely the wrong question. The right question requires a significant paradigm shift. “Jesus made it very clear that the question is not ‘Who is my neighbor?’ but ‘To whom can I be a neighbor?’ “ (Wiersbe).
Luke 10:25-37
25 One day, an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this, and you will live!”
29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied with a story: A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and bandits attacked him. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
31 By chance, a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33 Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.
34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.
36 Now, which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who bandits attacked? Jesus asked.
37 The man replied, The one who showed him mercy. Then Jesus said, Yes, now go and do the same.
Regrettably, our typical human reaction is often, “You’ve gotta be kidding.” However, neither the Father nor the Lord Jesus Christ is kidding! The Father continually works behind the scenes to offer the children of the King new opportunities. And to bring new neighbors into their lives. He has already scripted the plan; it is our responsibility to enact it in good faith and love.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.
“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can” (Wesley).
“Instead of looking for a place to quit, we should be looking for another place to start!” (Boles).
Do you have a blindside?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯2-06-2
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 