A Lesson in Communication

Once I was asked to go to the hospital to meet with an elderly woman who had lost her ability to speak.

When I entered her room, she smiled warmly and told me with a wave of her hand to come closer and sit down. Then she pointed to a little red book of Bible verses on her table.

‘Would you like me to read the verse for the day for you?’ I asked.

She nodded, and I began to read these words from Matthew 12:36–37: ‘But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken’ (NIV). I thought how cruel these words were for her in this situation.

When I finally stopped reading, she slowly lifted her hands, clasped as in prayer. Then she moved her hands in the air in an up-and-down motion. What a strong image she gave of praying to God!

‘Do you mean that God can hear your thoughts in prayer?’ I asked. She nodded, took my hand, and squeezed it gently.

I had been taught a most beautiful lesson: God understands our prayers in every circumstance and shows us how to share love with those we meet, even when we have lost the ability to speak.

Prayer: Dear Lord, show us this day how to reach others with your love. Amen