Help Me to Stop Yelling

As a former Speech Professor, I always thought that when I spoke and immediately commanded the attention of others, I was merely projecting my voice, as any good public speaker should. However, when I finally conceded and went to get a hearing test, my daughter said to the provider that I yelled. I was devastated!

After being tested and then fitted for hearing aids, I was amazed at how much quieter my voice became. When I began to talk, I heard my own voice so loudly that I dared not “project” it, to converse with others.

As soon as the devices were placed in my ears, a calm/peace enveloped me that had been absent, for at least the last two or so years, since my hearing had waned. My daughter and I were amazed at the tension that slipped from my body, much like a silken scarf from my hair. The questions sashayed into my thoughts, as quickly as a model walks a runway; “How many people have I misunderstood, or misunderstood me, by the loudness or intensity of my voice? How many may have thought that I was angry or impassioned, when in reality, I just did not understand what was actually going on?” How many times have I repeated someone else’s thoughts, as though they were my own, only because I had not heard the thoughts expressed?” So many questions! So many situations! So many conversations misunderstood!

As I sat there in the Hearing Instrument Specialist’s office conversing so easily and fluidly, I regretted the thought of leaving, for I knew that I could not take the hearing aids with me. Alas, I could not afford the $6,000+ aides that had suddenly and effortlessly transformed my entire life.  I moaned in my spirit, as I reluctantly allowed the Specialist, to remove the devices from my ears. Then swoosh! Just as quickly as the sound had come, the reality of partial deafness closed in upon me once again, tempting me to despair.

For a moment, it seemed to be more than I could bear. My insurance has no “hearing” coverage; our budget could not afford the additional hit; and our savings, forget about it. However, my Heavenly Father is rich in houses and lands; He holds the power and wealth of the world, in His hands. Sometimes those hands appear to belong to loved ones, friends, relatives, social media associates and/or fellow parishioners; hence my testimony and GoFundMe.

For too long, I have troubled others with the statements: “Would you mind repeating that?” “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.”  “Would you mind speaking up?” Or “Honey, you’re mumbling, again.” It wasn’t them, it was me.  Yes, like the old spiritual, I’m admitting, “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of – hearing aids.”

Therefore, I earnestly ask, if you are willing to let God use your hands and assist, in helping me to defray the cost of acquiring a set of hearing devices that would HELP ME to STOP YELLING?

Whatever, you are comfortable with contributing, will prove to be a blessing; and if you have nothing to give, I promise to love you no less. I appreciate your reading my testimony and I pray that you will share it with others. Additionally, I’ve added a few incentives and/or “Thank You” items, to help spur you along.

In closing, would you kindly share this testimony with any whom you believe might be moved to help as well, by using any social media platform that you wish (i.e. FB, Twitter, Linked-In, SnapChat, Instagram, etc.)?

Lastly, thank you for stopping by. I pray that you enjoyed my testimony and that hearing loss will NEVER be one of the challenges you will face. However, if it is already, I’m sure that you can empathize with me.

Again, thanks for reading and I hope to “Hear” you real soon!