Hearing is a true blessing, but it is so easy to take it for granted. It is not until we become hearing impaired or go completely deaf that we realize how much the ability to hear is not appreciated as it should be. In the United States, about 38% of the population over five years of age are considered deaf. That means nearly 40% of Americans have never experienced the privilege of hearing. There are some devices available for this population, but not all can afford them. Insurance companies might cover some costs, but it is still not always enough.

An option that can often be overlooked by many is sign language. It is an entire language in itself, and requires a lot of practice in order to be completely fluent. If a hearing person has lost their ability to hear, then the adjustment to a new language and way of life could be challenging. Some people are born deaf and sign language is the only way of communication that they know. Nonetheless, there are people that are only able to communicate through their hands and a barrier exists between them and the rest of the hearing world. I am a hearing person, and that means that unless I were to learn their language, there is no chance I would be able to form relationships with them.

I had first learned some sign language as a younger child, but I really became interested in it when I got to college. I was able to take a sign language class my first year, and I subsequently began taking a class that my friend was teaching at our church shortly after. She was studying American Sign Language Interpretation at her college and started teaching a beginning class during the summer. I ended up taking some private lessons from her, and it was so exciting that I was learning something that could be used to communicate with someone that could only happen a specific way.

Over the past few years, I have had several deaf people cross my path. While my knowledge is very limited in comparison to where I would like for it to be, I have been able to have basic conversations with the deaf community. Even though I am far from fluent in sign language, the deaf person has usually been very understanding and kind. I appreciated that, just as I am sure they appreciated the fact I cared enough to learn their language. A deaf person is no different that a hearing person, other than their mode of communication. They still crave the same love, affection, and companionship that I do.

The most important reason as to why I am glad I chose to learn sign language is for Jesus Christ's sake. As mentioned previously, there is very little difference between a hearing person and a deaf person. Jesus died for the deaf, but they have no chance of knowing him unless someone shares it in their language. God's love knows no boundaries, so why should communication boundaries exist? I am still wanting to learn more so that way I can help break down some of these boundaries. The deaf community loves, and so does God. Why don't we?