We Opened Eyes

When your eyes are truly open you can begin to witness all the truth that has been designed for you. Our mission is to open the eyes of those that cannot see!

[weopenedeyes]

Temples: Eye of the Beholder (Part I)

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.”

- Matthew 5:29 (ESV)

Our eyes are incredible! The way that they can transfer vast amounts of visual information to our minds and at speed! They are able to translate this information from tones and colours (light signals) into electronic impulses (using photoreceptors) which in turn relay the information to the brain along optic nerves. It wouldn’t be a surprise to many of us to know that our vision is ‘the' most important sense to us. However it may be more surprising that the majority of us probably take this for granted, either with over use, under appreciation or the sheer fact we allow our eyes to process incorrect information. What we allow ourselves to see has a great impact upon who we are as individuals and the way that we will, in turn, see the world.

From where I am currently sat, I can see an array of people who are all using their sight in a variety of ways. Some are sharing time with their children flicking through activity magazines, others are sharing intimate looks with one another or catching up on daily events within newspapers. The truth is, without our sight we would miss out on so much beauty within this world, the people we love, nature, sports etc. However as a society we are becoming less aware of how fragile and important our eyes actually are. If we were faced with the possibility that we would be unable to see anything again, most of us would break down or not be able to function properly.

What if you had to use your own hands and other senses to be able to see again? That would be a lot of information to process and even our own fingers cannot tell orange from purple. Yes we might be able to feel shapes and understand smells but our eyes act as intermediaries for us, acknowledging shapes, objects and people before we can either hear them, feel them or smell them. I challenge you to try and function for part of your day without using your eyes, to take on any mundane everyday activity and not use your eyes. 

This however isn’t the issue at hand here, the important factor isn’t about the fact that we have eyes but about the way that we use them. Our eyes play an important role within the way that we develop and the person or people that we will eventually become. The problem is that our eyes can betray our innocence and this is where it is important that our minds and our eyes form a healthy relationship with one another. That our minds translate what the eyes are seeing into information that is vital for our growth.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

- Matthew 6:22-23 (NIV)

If we allow ourselves to bear witness to the grotesque images that have developed alongside society we have every chance of falling victim to its own temptations. The more that we subject ourselves to these visions the more we are likely to become desensitised to them, becoming numb to their horror and unhealthy nature. The very images that are promoted within every corner of our lives are created to corrupt us, not help us. To damn us rather than set us free.

In Matthew we read that our eyes are like lamps for the entire body, that they cast light upon everything within our lives. However, what we allow that light to fall upon will in turn influence our very core, our hearts and our minds. So if these visions that we allow ourselves to watch are pleasant or pleasing then our lives will be filled with light, but if what we watch influences fear, terror or lust then we are becoming prey for the darkness. The more that we continue to be subjected to that darkness the thicker or deeper we can fall into it. To put it simply, we will become slaves to it, bound in darkness and immune in many ways; lost in the fog.

When I speak of these vision or these images I am speaking upon several matters that affect us not only on an obvious level but also within many subliminal ones. Half the time we may not even realise that we actually subjecting ourselves to these images but so subtle is the media today that this has become a very valid tactic. The term ‘sex sells’ is one of truth. It relates to the very nature of our humanity, to our need for love, intimacy and consequently lust. These images can be from the subtle images upon our social media feeds to the blatant pornographic ones, either way the implications still lead onto something more. On the other hand, these images can also relate to those that ‘other-worldly’ from graphic novels to cinematic horror.

Each of these I will go into greater depth in upcoming posts but I wanted to establish a main point to initially start with. We need to become more aware of everything that we are allowing our light to shine upon, not just for our own sake’s but also as parents and friends of others who in turn may suffer with these issues. The harsh reality is that many will either see this as healthy or as something that isn’t actually an issue, that they can stop or that it doesn’t impact them as much as they believe it to. That is the problem with an affliction or an addiction, those that are suffering with it are always the last to see it. We need to be there as supportive figures but also need to highlight the dangers these issues have upon their lives. That the issues that they face, the darkness that they find themselves within… is not infinite or lonely.

We need to be light-bearers, not just for ourselves but for others and at the same time God needs to be involved within the situation. We can only go so far on our own and then that is exactly the point where God needs to be involved, to assist and intervene and consequentially take over. He is the light that should shine within us and out of us. His word is truth and He can guide us through any situation that we find ourselves in. Where there is darkness there will always be victory, but only if He is involved. We do not have the strength, energy or the tools half the time to even survive certain situations or battles, but He does. So let us become a nation of light-bearers. Let the light within us shine so brightly that it is visible to those around us. Change your ways by asking yourself - What are the consequences of my actions here? What impact are these images ultimately going to have upon my life and my light? It is laid out for us clearly where our focus should be especially when we subject ourselves to particular images or sights.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

So focus on these things and dismiss those that are not beneficial to you or others. Because ultimately it is who we are in Him that will impact our light. Without Him we may blindly stumble through life, whilst with Him our eyes can be opened. We will seek Him in all we do ensuring it is as Paul states and not how we want it. With God at the centre we will unlock who we are and in return understand how we should be. So remember that your eyes are important to you, so how are you going to use them? Who will you use them for?

[weopenedeyes]

Reflections: Support or a Cure

There is an illness out there that can affect any of us at any stage of our lives and in the most severe cases it can lead to death and destruction. Some know it as a disease, some know it as a curse, some don’t even believe it exists but to us all it is known simply as - depression. It is defined as a state of being where the sufferer is consumed by a hopelessness or unhappiness which causes them to lead a life that isn’t normal.

As someone who has suffered with depression I have seen how the subject of depression, as well as with any other mental health issue, can be treated with a hint of taboo. Many people stumble around with a concept or idea of what depression is or means or even does to people; how it changes our lives and perceptions. Others can simply see it as something that merely does not exist and that those who say they suffer with it are just deluded - that we are just feeling down and need to learn to smile. With something as destructive and life altering as depression you would believe that there were more answers out there than questions, but the truth is there isn’t. However the question isn’t always about finding the route or reason to why we feel the way we do because sometimes even we are unsure of what that is. The question isn’t even a question but an answer all on it’s own and one that doesn’t have to involve words.

In a previous post I mentioned that our children are suffering with the effects of many issues and depression is one of those. This could stem from within areas of home life, school life or their personal life but the one factor to realise here is that it is happening. Regardless of what is causing the issues within the lives of our children or our friends we have to be a pillar of support to them. We need to be there to lift them up, talk to them or simply involve them within events that are being held. Even when you feel the knock-backs or hear the refusals of help, you don’t give up on them because ultimately they may have already done that.

If you know of someone who suffers with depression and I am sure that we all do with respect to the way that society is at this moment in time, then just be there for them. Don’t see yourself as a solution or a cure for them or that you can fix them because that act can be just as effective as putting a plaster on a tumor or a broken heart. See yourself more as a form of support, a friendly face who wants to be involved with what they are going through. I have seen the positives of merely ‘hanging-out’ with someone even at times when we believe that we want to be left on our own. How laughter can be a great healer.

I don’t believe that you have to act any differently towards people who suffer with depression, because half the time you might not even realise that they do. Reading over memorial notes of how people never expected tragedies (with regards to suicide) such as this because the person affected was always smiling and happy, you can see how invisible a disease it can be. Some of us learn how to use masks when we are around certain people or people in general, but behind closed doors it is a different scenario. It is a lonely disease. We all have it within us to be there for someone, we can all make a difference in the lives of others, to include them within what we do or to listen to them. Don’t stop because you are told to, be persistent, because the time that you sacrifice being with someone could make the difference.

Note// You were one of the greatest comedians and actors that I have had the enjoyment of watching. Through your roles you have shown your versatility as an actor and you brought many inspiring characters to life. You will be missed. Bangarang! (Robin Williams: 1951-2014)

[weopenedeyes]

Reflections: It's Not a Question of Religion

In an age where conflict and war seem to be every day occurrences, there can appear to be a stage in most of our lives that we may have become desensitised to it all, or to put it bluntly - we have stopped caring.

We constantly see images of people’s lives being ruined, blood being shed or spilt and families being torn apart by bombings or gunfire. I believe that because of this constant ‘bombardment’ (a word I use lightly here) of accounts and images that flood our news headlines and twitter feeds it can all simply begin to blur into one big piece of annoying news. I feel that as this news is around us all the time we can (as individuals as well as a society) stop caring, especially as the events are happening somewhere else and not within our own towns or back gardens. Images and accounts that should stir us to action are actually stirring us to change the channel or even mute the TV.

The truth is people are being forced out of their own homes, being forced to flee their own countries to escape with their lives intact. For some this is a choice that has to be made but for many others it is a choice they never received, their lives taken from them far too soon. Families and neighbourhoods are being destroyed - car-bombings, mortar attacks, rocket launchers and land mines claiming the lives of the unsuspecting, with results that appear like scenes from out of a horror movie (again another issue that can be the basis for our desensitisation to these images). This is even before extremist groups and factions come into account with reports of individuals being hung, crucified, stabbed, shot or even being beheaded. When did we regress back into a race of savages (and by race I stand by us all being human and not by the term it can often be implied)? Have we always been this way and the extreme methods that we see happening have simply laid dormant beneath our skin until such a time? Is it a pure reaction to obligations or a justifiable response to the consideration of right or wrong? I would hate to think so!

The point I am making, or the one that I hope comes across, is that I believe in the good that is within mankind. That regardless of where these events occur or who they are happening to, we can all help to make a difference and to sort these things out. It isn’t a question of politics. It isn’t a question of religion. It isn’t even a question of wealth. It is however a question of morals and the extent to which you value yourself and those that you share this planet with. Yes I could ask you - What you would do if this was happening to you or your family? - but then it is easy to take the hypothetical route. We are working with truth and facts. These people need help regardless of them either being Christians or Muslims, Black or White, these people are all human beings. They are all have hearts and lungs and minds and rights. William Shakespeare wrote:

“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die?”.

For that very reason, in any sense of the word, murder is always murder regardless of the victim.

We have within us all to make a difference, to stand up for what is right and honest and true. For some of us it can be something as simple as signing a petition, for others it can be about sending psychical aid (either in the form of finances, food, water or medication), others it might be to get involved or to pray. If you have family you should understand how important they are to you and how you would ultimately do anything you can for them. Why can it not be the same for others, for our brothers and sisters in other countries, for people we may have never met or ever will? Is one life more important than another? I for one cannot stand to see children let alone adults become the casualties of conflict, to see families mourning and praying for justice, whilst I idly sit by and watch. My heart sinks to see how a world that has created some of the greatest thinkers, inventors, discoverers and people within history can descend into such chaos. I understand that this world has always seen war and conflict, especially in a period of time that recognises the centenary of the First World War, but just because something has always been doesn’t mean it has to continue.

I implore you - make a difference! Watch the news. Feel the emotions. Then make a stand, because one day it might just be you and your family that need that reassurance, that aid, that need or prayer to come through.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are suffering. Lives are for Living.

[weopenedeyes]

Reflections: A Remedy for a Broken Generation

As a generation are we to feel responsible for the way things have become or do we look to our pasts to place the blame?

I see a broken world that is full of broken people all screaming out for help and guidance. With nothing but tragedy, controversy and heartbreak filling our news feeds it can seem impossible to not be choked with depression or anger. We have countries that are stricken with viruses or famine. Conflict that is born out one man's vision or misinterpretation. Politicians making empty promises to a damaged society or themselves being caught up in controversy. It almost seems that if someone isn't dying, isn't bleeding, isn't hungry, isn't unwelcome, isn't unpopular or caught within a scandal it isn't worthy of coverage.

However there are people out there that are trying to make a difference, to put things right and solve the problems this world is facing. I think the responsibility to change things falls upon each and everyone of us regardless of our circumstances, geographical placement or other stereotypes that can be used as an excuse. The responsibility doesn't fall upon the shoulders of others, so as a society we cannot blame anyone else if we are failing to make an impact. These differences don't have to cost anything but can change everything. There are people out there that need food, warmth, human touch, company, guidance, reconciliation, a cure, sympathy, love or a home. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give isn't finances (although I am not refuting that these help) but is in fact time. It might be that the difference that you make will never even be seen by yourself, but it will be felt by those you impact.

Soon these issues will fall upon the generation that we are creating and I think we have to ask ourselves what sort of world are we bringing children into. Would you feel happy knowing that your children are more likely to suffer with illnesses such as depression? That your daughter or son could struggle financially? As a generation we have a responsibility to ensure that our children and the children of others are accounted for. What we subject our children to can have such a greater impact upon them than we can even imagine. It is up to us to ensure that these children are not only educated but are loved, that they are guided and developed with all the purpose that they were created for.

Not every child is born into a healthy situation but that is where we as a society, a community need to step in and provide the necessary support that is needed. When a community all works together will the same intent and purpose amazing things can be achieved. We already have a generation of children out there that are struggling to talk to others with regards to deep secrets that are not always their faults. It isn't just about building safe environments but also listening to these children. Society places so much pressure onto these children to be a certain type of person which can cause issues within body image, the need for attention which can lead to many other situations like abuse whether physical, mental or of a substance. It saddens me to see so many child or teen suicides happening within this country when we can do something.

The question is - are you listening? Do you give enough of your time to speak to your own children, to comfort those around you? For us to simply be quiet whilst we allow our children to speak, to be open and honest without blame or the risk of temper or disappointment. We only have to look within the areas where we live to see that this isn't happening in the slightest. Children are being subjected to drugs, alcohol, sex, abuse, abandonment and depression when they should be merely enjoying childhood without the worries that adulthood brings. Every child deserves that right. To be able to play with their friends, to know innocence, to be loved, to be clothed, to be fed, to be educated, to not take things for granted. It doesn't depend upon the families they are born into, where they live, the wealth of their parents, the friends they keep, the teachers that educate but it rests upon each and every one of us. We make the difference. So just remember the impact that you can make when you see these children, these 'menaces to society' or 'orphans'.

So what difference are you going to make?