Hand Signals

Becca and I have been taking the ASL Sign Language class for the last two "semesters" that Naomi has been teaching at church. I have to tell you what a blessing that class has turned out to be. When we first started the class, it was "so fun!" and "really cool" and "she's so funny" and now it's almost a way of life. When we speak to each other with language, we don't really take the time to think about what we are saying, but, when you communicate in sign language, you have to think about what you are saying. There are not signs for every word - there are signs for concepts. When we see Janice or Roy or whoever signing the songs and interpreting the teaching each week, we just kind of take it for granted. But these interpreters have to get the message, not just the words, across to the deaf. It's hard to do when you can take your time about it and REALLY hard to do when you have to keep up with Reggie!
We have had two "silent" dinners at the Loving Hands Ranch in Sulphur this past year. The first one we went to, we spent one hour with earplugs in our ears and no talking, only signing. Naomi had invited several of her friends from the deaf community to spend the evening visiting with her students, so we tried to communicate with them. They were very patient with us - they signed very slowly (FOR THEM!) so we could follow the conversation and were very encouraging and helpful to correct our signing.
Anyway, when we first put the earplugs in, a lot of sound was reduced but we could still hear each other and background noises. Then, after about 10 minutes - it was like ALL sound was gone. We could hear ourselves breathing, and chewing and our hearts beating and it was kind of surreal. Then I noticed that we were paying more attention to each other and what they were "saying" to us. We had to really pay attention to the person signing because we had no audible clues and no noise distraction. I can't really explain it except that, all of a sudden, I began to have just a small understanding of what a deaf person might go through. Just a very small inkling, but enough to have a real compassion for what they go through. I remember wondering as I watched everyone signing in REAL sign language just what a deaf person sees going on around them all day while the people around them "talk" idly with their hands. It made me realize what a lot of idle talking we do. When you have earplugs in, there is no idle chatter! And, as limited as we are in signing, we have to stop and think before we speak. Hmmm, doesn't the Word say something about being slow to speak...?
Then, last Saturday we had our final "Silent Dinner" - same thing - earplugs. This time however, was easier. We found that we could actually carry on a conversation with the deaf community and actually "hear" what they were saying. We were only required this time to wear the earplugs for 15 minutes - but we went over an hour without even noticing. It was awesome.
I have a new awareness and appreciation for Naomi and her family as well as the deaf community and the struggle they have with the hearing world. They have heard the call and are doing their utmost to reveal the truth of Christ to the deaf. I'm glad we have had the chance to be a small part of what they do by learning to communicate with the deaf.
Everyone should try using earplugs for an hour, try it just once. When the Lord speaks, He does so in a still, quiet voice. Maybe we are just too busy with idle words to hear Him clearly.