Light Sensitivity Syndrome

Years ago I was introduced to a problem that many children who find reading uncomfortable struggle with, light sensitivity. Today it is called Irlen Syndrome. For children with this problem words on a page are unclear, may move, jiggle, dance or even shake. As they attempt to read it is very uncomfortable and children may suffer headaches, stomach-aches and overall weariness. It is almost impossible to comprehend what they are reading as so much energy is taken to physically read the page. Sadly, many parents assume their child is lazy. For the child with this problem it can be exasperating. As far as they know, everyone must see as they do so why can't they read. They may even go to an eye doctor who will not find a problem, which only adds to the struggle for all concerned. However if that child's problem is identified and given the right tool on the page, reading can become clear, sharp and far more comfortable.

Many people in our world today have been going to church, trying to be a good person and may even want desperately to honor God but they have no clue what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is as if they have a "light" sensitivity blockage. It may be hard to identify these folks because they look, sound and do live their lives as a fellow believer. And yet they don't know Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, faithful Lord who will never leave or forsake those who invite Him to be Lord of their lives (Isaiah 9:6; Deut. 31:6). They have not received Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Spirit of Truth who Jesus promised would remain with His people forever (John 14:16-17).

A friend of mine recently went to a graduation at a Christian College. The speaker gave an altar call and invited graduates to come forward and invite Jesus to be Lord of their lives. Apparently this had never been done before at the school graduation. I am sure the leadership assumed all of their students had made a profession of faith. Yet, young men and women who appeared fully ready to step out into a big world came forward to receive the most important thing they would ever need to survive in whatever the future would hold for them...Jesus.

When I give a student a color overlay and it is placed on a page with words that finally stop moving, reading becomes clear, sharp, comfortable and the child can now comprehend what they are reading. It is a wonderful thing to see. When someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and begins a personal relationship, the light of truth is open wide. Suddenly words on a page in the Bible come alive and relevant. Holy Spirit is with them revealing Truth (John 14:26). For the child who has Irlen Syndrome, reading simply isn't so impossible anymore. For the person who has been working so hard to be good, life will never be the same. They have made a commitment to make Jesus their Lord. They will live life meeting the various challenges of life by casting anxiety on the Lord (Phil 4:6), seeking counsel from His Word, the Holy Spirit and mature believers (Ps. 1:1-3). They are never alone . They now have a Savior who they have invited to be their ever faithful, loving Lord. Amazing GRACE!!

Do you have a "light sensitivity disorder"? Do you read the Word but just don't understand it? Have you invited Jesus to be your Savior and your Lord? Does the Holy Spirit abide with you? If you have never accepted Jesus Christ, the Son of God, today can be the day of salvation for you.

1. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Confess that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
2. Praise God for even though He knows you are a sinner, He prepared for you the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ long before you were born (Romans 6:23 b).
3. Confess now with your mouth Jesus as your Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:9; Romans 10:13).
4. Present your body to Him and ask that He begin the work of transformation in you, that you may live fully in the perfect will of God (Rom. 12: 1-2).
5. Invite the Helper, Holy Spirit to be with you forever, revealing truth, bringing conviction and guidance into all truth (John 16:7-13).
6. Finally give thanks and praise to the Lord your God. Bless His Holy Name(Ps. 100:4).

Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

NOTE: For those looking for more information on Irlen Syndrome feel free to learn more at: www.irlen.org