The Language of Grace
© 1997 Don Rogers
The setting: Young children with their sitter playing elsewhere in the house while the church school teachers met. The game became dress-up in adult clothes and do a fashion show for the adults.
The background: One of the girls, Grace, so named by parents who knew she was God's grace in their lives, deaf since birth, proficient in American Sign Language was one of the group. Her church provided interpreters for her in church school and worship, a kindness not appreciated by all the members. Her mother rejoiced that 1) Grace was going to have the chance to learn of Christ in a loving fellowship and 2) she would not have to be Grace's only connection with the world every place.
The moment: Grace took the center of the living room floor and signed that she wanted everyone's attention, she had something to say. Adults and children in the church had begun to attend classes and learn ALS so they could talk with Grace, so some got the message directly. Others heard the interpretation and watched as Grace said her something. "God loves everyone of you!" signed with the beaming confidence and enthusiasm by this child of God who has become God's grace to many.