Someday, in heaven, I would like to interview Helen Keller. She was a bull in a china closet, as the saying goes, but she was not just spit and fire. Helen Keller was a woman of depth – a woman of deep convictions about many things. She is most remembered for being blind, but read on to find out why Keller rarely, if ever, used the word, “blind,” when describing herself.
Quick facts about Helen Keller
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.
Born: June 27, 1880, Tuscumbia, AL
Died: June 1, 1968, Easton, CT
Siblings: Phillips Keller, Mildred Keller, William Simpson Keller, James Keller
Movies: The Miracle Worker, Helen Keller in Her Story
Selected quotes from Helen Keller
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
“Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.”
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
“What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.”
Pastor Jeff on Helen Keller
Helen Keller was a controversial woman because of her strong views on many things but the reason I look forward to meeting her someday, is because of her deep conviction and strong determination to keep on keeping on when she had every excuse not to. And, nobody would have blamed her if she would have succumbed to a mediocre life. I first learned from Helen Keller not to use the word “blind” for someone who cannot see. She taught me to use the word, “sightless.” There is a huge difference! As we know, there are many people who are able to see with their eyes, yet are still blind. And, as Keller said, there are people who are “sightless” but able to see things others cannot.
I want to invite and encourage you to find the quote that most resonates with you. Reflect on the meaning and inspiration.
–Rev. Jeff Gannon
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