“My mother and father cried when I was born”
“My mother was scared when I was born because I was born deaf”
“I have never seen my child talk in sign language like she talks with you”
“My family doesn’t know sign language…they say it’s too hard to learn”
“Sometimes I don’t know what my daughter is trying to tell me because I don’t know sign language…. I don’t understand her”


These are some of the things I have been told the past few weeks….some of the things that I have wept over. I was at the deaf center last weekend and each of the guys there took turns briefly sharing the stories of their lives. Each one told, with a sense of resignation, how their parents' hearts were broken when they were born…deaf. And with all of my heart I wish that my love for them would erase the pain they pretend they don’t feel. How can they be shown that they are lovable and acceptable just as they are? Could they ever believe that there is a God who loves; loves to walk with us, to guide us, He loves to hold and comfort us, to pick us up when we fall down; He loves to teach us and shape us and most of all, He just simply loves. Could they ever believe that? Could they sense that through me? What can I do to be Jesus to people who don’t know who He is? A warm smile at the Iraqi refugee lady who isn’t welcome here, speak a blessing to the man who cleans my street and who no one else wants to love, spend time with the deaf little girl who’s family doesn’t know how to talk to her… a little girl who needs to be needed and who needs to be wanted, maybe a bold word of my faith to the man who drives me in his taxi? What can you do to embody Him? Show kindness to the family who only speak Spanish? Forgive someone who hurt you….someone who may not “deserve” your forgiveness? Go out of your way, even if it means being off schedule, to help take care of someone else’s need…..
It is a challenge to myself and to you to realize that being a witness and loving people can’t happen by accident but must be intentional. Sure, the Lord opens doors for us but sometimes we have to push on the door and see if it will open on our own. I hope you find creative ways to “love sincerely, be devoted to one another, to honor one another above yourselves, to keep your spiritual fervor in serving the Lord, and to share with God’s people who are in need” this week. Every person is in some kind of conversation with God. When our paths cross their paths, we have the opportunity to be a part of that conversation.... and it is up to us to determine what they will learn about God from us, whether our paths cross for moments or years. As the song goes, "Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering...."
I hope ya'll have a great week and live.... and believe out loud.