Faith in the Fog: A blind volunteer’s story of hope and calling

When Penny was just two weeks old, her mother noticed something wrong with her eye. Doctors feared that surgery might take away her sight completely, so they decided not to operate. Over the years, Penny’s world became like living in a “thick fog” as her vision deteriorated.

Bullied in school and often feeling like an outsider, Penny learned to adapt and persevere. Her life took a turn when she rediscovered faith at The Salvation Army, finding a community that welcomed her as she was and a place where she could serve others with purpose and joy. 

Today, Penny volunteers weekly, greeting and helping others with warmth and humor, despite her limited vision. Her story reminds us that faith can illuminate even the foggiest paths.

Below is a transcript of the video edited for readability.

Penny: My mom saw something flapping in my eye when I was two weeks old. We went to all kinds of eye doctors, and he says, “I could operate,” “but chances are too great that she’ll go blind.” So, they didn’t do it.

It’s not fun at all, when you can’t see, well. Figure a thick fog, you learn how to accommodate and get around. School was not fun, for me, because I was picked on, because I had to sit  right up close to the blackboard.

I couldn’t read it. I was a good student, but I was different. And back then, you were kind of outcasts from the rest of the groups. You’re the last one picked for games, and if they did anything to accommodate you, they thought you were a teacher’s pet, and picked on you for that. I just tried to stay hidden like a mouse.

I went to the United Pentecostal church, when I was 17. I did accept God, then, and I was happy. I really can’t explain it, but it was different. I didn’t feel like I was the same person.

I started talking to God. It was like a friend, a comfort. God has always been there for me, and got me through. He helped me see, drive, lead a normal life, get married, have kids.

I went to college and got an A.A. in business. But then, one day at work, everything went blurry. It terrified me! I thought, “Why, God…” “Why is this happening to me?” “What did I do to deserve this?” It’s not fun.

But, we lived in a trailer court. One day, The Salvation Army came to the trailer court and did Vacation Bible School, under the trees, and had all the kids outside. So then, they had a good time. And that’s how my sons Joe and Sal started at The Salvation Army.

But I had a bad experience when I went in to ask for help for food. The lady made me cry, and pretty much, insinuated that I wasn’t taking care of my child. I told everybody, “I will starve,” “before I will walk in a place like that again.” And that’s why I told my kids, “You are not going to Sunday school.” “You are not going to that church!” 

They got up in the morning, for Sunday school, and were so quiet getting dressed. Of course, mom knew and could hear them. I went ahead, you know, let them go. When they were in Sunday school, they did all kinds of things…They were in Christmas programs, Easter programs, and I started going to see them.

I realized the church wasn’t like that, here. Everybody there was caring and loving, and it felt like you were home. It progressed from there to going to Sunday school and the Home League. Home League is where the ladies get together.

We do a Bible study, and then, there’s a craft, and a lot of laughter. I loved it because they acted like I belong there, that I wasn’t an outsider looking in. I always had somebody to talk to. And you get that feeling with the ladies  from the Home League, that they care.

I learned that God has walked me through all those trials and tribulations. I never realized how close He was to me until I pulled the plug on my mom. I felt Him in the hospital room.

It was the hardest thing to do. She was my best friend. But I swear, when that plug was pulled and she was breathing her last, I could feel Him. And I don’t know if anybody’s ever thought of it, but I felt like, He touched my shoulder, and said, “It’s okay.” That was the most awesome time and the most saddest time, in my life.

I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone a lot, by going up in front of church. I’ve given testimony, read Scripture, I’ve even sang in front of church. I can feel God when I’m singing, and saying, “You’re doing what you’re supposed to do.” “Let’s keep it up!”

I volunteer for Sally’s Place. I sign them in, the church provides lunch, and we do a couple bags of groceries, and it’s really nice.

We all have grown so much, in the past few years. They’ve supported me through prayer. They’re there, they’ll help you with anything, and they’ll always listen to what you have to say.

They don’t say, “no,” no matter who you are or what disability you have. And they’re not doing it, because it’s a job…It’s a calling. I realized that you don’t have to be like everyone else, that God’s with you, and He still cares.

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