Deaf Interpreter

Recently I was in a store and saw a deaf man that I know. He greeted me in his usual kind way, and then he introduced me to someone he was with. He introduced me as "an Interpreter". I cannot tell you how my body reacted inside! I had to hold back the tears. It brought back so much emotion for me, as all the past years of loving deaf people flashed before my mind.

The LAST thing I ever wanted to be to a deaf person was "an interpreter". I want to be their "FRIEND".

I did NOT learn sign language so I could "fill in the blanks" for them. I did not learn sign language to earn money off of their closed ears. I did not learn sign language to be the go between for them, or even an advocate for them. I learned sign language because I wanted to get to know them! I wanted to know them as people, their thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and opinions. It wasn't until years after I learned sign language that I realized since I was a hearing person, that automatically put me in the position of "interpreter".

For years I argued with God. I repeatedly asked him WHY He didn't make me deaf. I don't want to be known as their INTERPRETER, I want to be known as their FRIEND.

Being married to Ken since 1973 has tremendously helped me to gather peace in this area. Ken has helped me to see that GOD made me hearing for a reason, just like HE made them deaf, for a reason. I may WANT to be deaf to be more welcomed into their lives, but I am not deaf, by GOD'S design.

Ken helped me to see how my feelings are no different than anyone else who is wishing they were someone else, instead of accepting who they are by God's design. Over the years I have come to peace with my position before God.

I count it an HONOR to be able to bring music to deaf people BECAUSE I can hear. I count it an HONOR to be able to help them understand their doctor's better, and have their feelings and opinions explained more clearly to the Doctors. But most of all, I count is an HONOR to be able to interpret the Word of God standing next to my husband, who is my Pastor.

I am so grateful for God putting Ken into my life! He has walked with me thru some tough times.

So if I have this peace, why did this deaf man's words cut me to the quick?

I think it was just a IN MY FACE reminder of where I was, and where I am today.

Even though I would much RATHER be introduced as their friend, I am thrilled to be known by them at all, and thrilled that God has given me enough skill that THEY would call me "an Interpreter"!