Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a, Psalm 105: 16-17, 18-19, 20-21, Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46
"They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true."
Psalm 105:18-19
I recently read the story of a young girl named Sammie. When Sammie was three years old, she was non-verbal and her prognosis for speech was not good. Her diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy limited her ability to use her muscles for speech. Sign language wasn't an option for her due to her limited dexterity. Sammie's educators thought her cognitive abilities were low because she wasn't communicative. When asked to describe her young daughter, her mom said, 'Sammie is a very sad little girl.' Fortunately for Sammie, she had a student teacher who believed she was capable of more expressive language. With the support of an augmentative communication device, and the support of her student teacher, Sammie was taught to use a computer that generated speech when Sammie pushed symbols or pictures. By giving her a way to express herself, she flourished. The little girl who had been silenced, spoke. Over time and with her ability to communicate restored, Sammie became an excellent student and eventually became a leader in her class as a representative on her student council. Sammie's parents are so proud of her and so grateful to the people who gave her the opportunity to reach her potential.
We all have a voice and the word of God is spoken through us all. We need to listen to the message inside each and every person. Don't let resentment or ignorance be the shackles worn in your relationships. Take the time to listen to those who are trying to speak to you.
Kathleen Schafer is married to Fred and is the mother of three children. She works part-time as a speech language pathologist.
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