Treasures in the Dark: Why Insight Beats Eyesight

stephaniejohnson
Oct 23
2 min read

Use a high-resolution image of a seed sprouting in dark soil with light breaking through—symbolizing “planted, not buried.

Opening Hook

When life or business feels dark—when forecasts are cloudy and paths aren’t obvious—our instinct is to panic. But darkness isn’t punishment. It’s preparation.

“You have not been buried—you’ve been planted.”—T.D. Jakes, Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power

Insight vs. Eyesight

Eyesight sees obstacles, scarcity, and critics. Insight sees purpose, values, and vision. Helen Keller said:

“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

Saul learned this on the Damascus road—his eyesight failed so his insight could awaken. Sometimes what closes your eyes opens your destiny.

Darkness as Development

Cameras develop negatives in the dark.
Seeds transform underground.
Embryos grow in the womb.

Darkness is where potential incubates. It’s the soil for your next harvest.

Planted ≠ Buried

Planting and burial look the same—both involve dirt and darkness. The difference? Intent and outcome. Burial is final. Planting expects transformation.

Hidden Places and Untapped Potential

Stephen Covey wrote about the “hidden place” in Primary Greatness—private victories that precede public ones. The Johari Window reminds us there’s a quadrant of untapped potential in every person. Darkness can be the catalyst that moves what’s hidden into the open.

Five Leadership Lessons from the Dark

Name the soil. Ask: If this is planting, what fruit am I expecting?
Do the private work. Reflection before reaction. Character before metrics.
Shrink blind spots. Invite feedback to reveal hidden strengths.
Reframe resistance. Opposition often refines strategy.
Celebrate germination. Reward courage and learning, not just harvest.

Closing Thought

You may feel unseen, misunderstood, or even cut down. But you’re not buried—you’re planted. Praise in the dark. Insight will carry you where eyesight cannot.