This letter was sent to www.shepherdtheblind.org.

I was referred to your web site recently, and I was struck by two things. First, your sincere desire to be of service shines through on every line. I deeply respect the Christian love you are showing.

The second thing which struck me may not be apparent to you. In fact, I am almost sure that it is not, because you would obviously not want to create the impression you have unintentionally created. By referring to your volunteers (by implication sighted people) as shepherds, and the the blind as sheep, you have defined the two groups as unequal. The sighted people are always the shepherds in charge; the blind people are always the sheep in need of protection and care.

As you no doubt know, there are numerous situations in which the roles are reversed. Blind people take care of, and give service to, their sighted neighbors and loved ones. The most obvious example is of blind parents raising sighted children. Then there are the many instances of blind individuals nursing their sick or injured sighted spouses back to health. These examples do not even begin to cover the countless blind people who regularly volunteer in their communities. I’m sure these brief examples make the point.

We all want to be of serfvice to our fellow human beings. Sometimes we all need to be served. There is no better model of service than that of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I ask you to think about the way you speak and write about your organization so that all of the human beings involved, blind and sighted alike, can share in the blessing which comes from both serving and being served.

Then there is the other implication in the use of the word “sheep”. A sheep is someone who cannot or will not think or act independently. A sheep is weak, demonstrating a consistent lack of courage and character. Surely you don’t want to imply that blind people are lacking in moral character and can be easily led astray? Your use of the phrase “deserving blind” several times indicates that you do not.

You are endeavoring to deliver a powerful witness of service to humanity. Your deeds have power; so do your words. Please use your words in ways that lift blind people up instead of tearing us down.

Very truly yours,

Mary Ellen Gabias