The Blind Side

We all have a blind side, and I don't mean one that requires a big left tackle for protection, either. According to Richard S. Tebow’s new book, DENIAL: WHY BUSINESS LEADERS FAIL TO LOOK FACTS IN THE FACE—AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT, Henry Ford made himself a wealthy man by building the Model T.

By the 1920s, customers began seeking automobiles of different colors. None of this fazed Ford. In 1922, he wrote what became a famous quote, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants as long as it is black." By World War II, his company lay near bankruptcy.

Henry Ford had a blind side. In spite of the data he was receiving, he refused to listen to the truth and it almost destroyed the company.

I often see a husband with a blind side. He is systematically destroying his marriage, and he is oblivious to it. I have seen mothers who are cold to their children; they have no idea they are emotionally devastating their own flesh and blood.

The sinful nature is programmed to distort our reality. That is one reason the Bible recommends close fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Through their loving communication, they can tip us off to our blind sides. We will then, hopefully, respond before disaster strikes.