Horse Blinders

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

What do falcons and horses have in common?

Well, I came up with something.

Years ago, when I was undergoing a course of radiation for my breast cancer diagnosis, I tried a different tactic to soothe my raging anxiety.

I wore these ginormous “Jackie O”- style sunglasses into one radiation zapping appointment.

The looks I got. Oh yes, the looks.

I wore these glasses, in a vain attempt to do what falconers do when they place those falcon helmets on the birds.

It’s to cut down the fear. The distraction. The freak-out.

The helmets are not just cute. They have a purpose.

So, I tried to apply that same strategy with my “Jackie O’s.”

It did not work.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18

As much as I am challenged by being a perfectionist, no, I still struggling with being made “perfect in love.”

In His Love.

Cop to it. Yes, I am.

Now, let’s talk about horses… and horse blinders.

No, I am not one of the “horsey set.” I love horses; they are exquisite animals. Like a lot of little girls out there, I went through my “wanting a pony or a horse” phase.

I don’t know much about them, other than yes, they often wear horse blinders.

And, I suppose, it’s similar to that of falcons.

The horse blinders, like the falcon helmet, guard against freak out’s.

It is about keeping the creature as calm, focused, and fear-free as possible.

Focus… and “Freedom From Fear…”

Again…

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18

Spiritual Helmets and blinders?

Is that what is going on?

After all, as part of the “Armor of The Most High,” we are instructed to put on “The HELMET of Salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).

Protecting us from fearful attacks? Keeping us focused?

Spiritual Horse blinders? What are they supposed to do?

Keep us from having this frightened look in our eyes?

Yeah, that’s part of it.

But it also has to do with Love.

I know. Hang in there with me.

“…‘You shall love the LORD your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40

Love with all of your heart. When we do that, we see better.

I know that sounds simplistic. Maybe trite.

Focus, however, is powerful. It protects. It shields. It keeps us.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3

I can give you a real-time, “now” example, even as I’m typing these words.

Regardless of how strong, anointed, skilled, or enlightened this musing may be that I am crafting right now…

It IS keeping me in perfect peace.

My mind is focused on Him.

I… trust Him fully?

Well, that last one may be pushing it somewhat. After all, I am challenged with fear.

BUT, in the present moment, I am about this experience.

And, yes, things feel quieter. More peaceful. Less terrifying.

Maybe some of that is because I’m also talking to you. And, by faith, I believe I am talking to you.

Nevertheless, we are all challenged by sight issues.

What we see, what we think we see, what looks terrifying, and a threat to us, on any level.

We do see through a glass quite darkly…

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

In the meantime, He loves us.

Love keeps us focused, especially when we focus on Him.

Focus helps our eyes.

Put on The Helmet. Put on The Blinders.

Not so that you cannot see, but rather, so that you can see and focus, love and be loved BY Him.

Let’s pray.

ABBA-

We come to You, in The Name of Your Son, Our Savior, Yahshua.

You know how much we fear.

You know how we have difficulty seeing what is going on in our lives.

You know how we are blinded, in one way or another.

We need so much help to stay focused on You.

You love us, and there is no fear attached to that love.

Help us to fully live and embody what that means for us.

Forgive us for not turning to You; forgive us for not making You our focus.

Forgive our sins.

Help us to stay, in perfect peace, with our minds focused on You.

Thank You.

We receive it all, with gratitude, in The Name of Yahshua.

AMEN.

Copyright © 2026 by Sheryle Cruse