Advent Devotional – 12.5.2021
Ruthie Hiskey
We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. –Romans 8:28
In church one Sunday, my Pastor was talking about using our spiritual gifts to honor God. In my prayer, I told God, “I don’t have any talents. With my severe hearing loss how can you use me?”
Shortly after, I met Nanette Fabray. She was a special guest for a Deaconess Hospital Auxiliary Event. There was a breakfast and luncheon. She used to be on TV with Sid Caesar. At breakfast she talked about her hearing loss due to conductive hearing loss which involves the bones. She had 4 surgeries to correct it. I told her mine was due to nerve deafness. She said I needed to learn American Sign Language. (ASL) During the luncheon she signed America the Beautiful. WOW! I thought to myself, oh how I wish I could do that!
So I took her advice and took ASL classes and absolutely loved it! Then God gave me this idea to start a Sign Language Choir so others could use their gifts too. First I had no idea how I was going to hear the words since I depend on lips. Well, God provided me with wonderful people. First the words are typed. Then I listen to the beat of the music and someone mouths the words so I know if it is fast or slow. Then I practice..a lot!
Hands of Harmony was born, and grew into a special ministry. We create a picture with our hands to show everyone how beautiful our God is. Some say it brings tears to their eyes or they get goose bumps. I praise God how people are touched by our ministry.
At age 62, Hands of Harmony helped me get started. Twenty years later we are still using our talents to give God the Glory! If someone told me 30 years ago that this would happen, I would have told them “impossible”.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving Hands of Harmony and me this gift to use to worship you. Please let others know it is not too late and that YOU can do the impossible. In Jesus Name I pray….Amen.