September 21, 2012 I woke up with terrible ringing and static in my left ear. I went to the doctor that morning which set into motion many other doctor appointments, tests and an MRI. I didn't know on that day I was losing my hearing. As the days and weeks passed the ringing turned to static which is with me now. At the same time our church was going through some changes. We had been praying about what to do in regards to teaching. You see our church was starting a new schedule with traditional worship at 9:30 which is when we teach 5 yr. old Sunday school. Contemporary worship was coming to the 11:00 hour and I wasn't crazy about that type of music. I'm old fashioned. I like to wear a dress to church and sing hymns. Well the good Lord has a plan and a sense of humor. Not only did I NOT like loud music, at the time of this church change the Lord takes part of my hearing. Well when you lose part of your hearing in one ear, the other ear likes to compensate for the loss. So ... the first few weeks after I lost my hearing I could hardly stand to go anywhere crowded. The noise was overwhelming. Music which I've always enjoyed became a pain in my ear and would give me a headache. Teaching the children was difficult as I'd have to leave the room just to collect some quiet. I thought how in the word am I going to survive this? Then there was the new worship service (that contemporary music --- drums, guitars and did I mention loud guitars). Each week I'd wear my ear plugs and cry out to the Lord why? Why Lord do I have to sit through this? Why Lord? I like the choir. I like to see people in dresses not skinny jeans. Why? Poor pitiful me, right? NOT. Poor pitiful attitude. In this past year the Lord has grown me and taught me so much about the loud music and jean wearing folks. You know what? He loves them and they love and respect Him just as much as I do. He's taught me so much about pride and acceptance. I am so grateful. I remember last fall Charles Billingsley was doing a concert at a local church. Charles is my favorite singer. I was kind of scared to attend the concert because what if my ears couldn't take it? As wonderful as his voice is my ears were still adjusting to all the changes. Of course Chris and I went to the concert and it was wonderful. I was so grateful to know that yes music would still be apart of my life. Many have asked how bad my hearing loss is ... well since a picture speaks a thousand words I thought I'd share a copy of my hearing test taken 11/15/12. I am in the Profoundly deaf category for my left ear as you can see the line going down to the bottom of the chart. My right ear is in the normal range. I have an appointment Oct. 1st to test my hearing and follow-up. I don't put the phone to my left ear and I still need time for quiet after being in the mall, grocery store, church, really any place loud and crowded. Has this loss kept me down or stopped me? Not at all. Some days my balance is off and I am dizzy so I take it slow, but you won't find this girl missing Charles Billingsley when he's in town :) Speaking of which ... I get to go hear him tonight at a CEF Banquet in Taylors. I am so excited and thankful. When God takes something away ( like some of my hearing) He gives us something greater (like a clearer awareness of others around us). I feel like for the first time I am not only listening to others, but I am hearing them too. Same goes for the Lord. He has spoken volumes to me this past year. Praising Him today and always.
Go be a blessing . . .
