A Personal Admonishment 

I am considerably afflicted by deafness, although mercifully not profoundly so. Age is causing it too be exacerbated and its effect is gradually worsening. This is not a plea for sympathy for me, but for all who suffer hearing loss.

Until you experience it for yourself, you cannot begin to understand how awful an affliction it becomes. I have "endured" meetings where I have barely heard a word, and have been weeping inside a silent and solitary world. 

Many who suffer hearing loss learn to "cheat," when faced with the dilemma of a conversation that is almost beyond their grasp. The conversationalist speaking too quickly, too softly, turning away their face etc. We, the deaf, watch for expressions ,smiling when they smile, frowning when it appears to be sorrowful, laughing with them while having no idea what is amusing; and developing a little ability to lip-read.

This may sound hypocritical, but we don't want to give offence, or embarrass the one engaged in speaking to us. And it is humiliating to have to constantly ask them to repeat themselves, and frustrating to both parties.

Please bear with us, speak up, and speak slowly and clearly, please. Hearing aids are no substitute for thoughtful communication. Deafness is invisible.

"Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:14.

Do not say this was "under law," it is not relevant for this dispensation; that is only possible if the Lord has ceased to be the Lord!

the admonition in connection with blindness I would hope would be unnecessary among the Lord's people, who could possibly remain unmoved by such a terrible affliction? But do not be quick to dismiss the admonition regarding the deaf. You may feel that you could never "curse" a deaf person; but you need to think carefully before you dismiss such a reaction. It is easy to become impatient and frustrated when holding conversations with those who have hearing loss, and to become angry inwardly at least, if not to finally express it aloud. I feel for your frustration, but it is no excuse before the Lord.

T.W.