On a recent Sunday, I attended the Bible class for the deaf at the Park Plaza church in Tulsa. It was the first time I had ever attended a class where the teacher was signing and was being interpreted by a hearing person.
In reflecting on my experience, I realized that I had experienced something of what it means to be a stranger, a foreigner, an outsider. Yes, most of us who were present in the class shared a common faith, but I was nonetheless unable to communicate and to fit in with a majority of those in the class. I sought those like me (hearing). I made a fairly rapid departure to the adjoining Spanish assembly where I was scheduled to preach.
Some days, I find communicating and preaching in Spanish a challenge, because my tongue and lips don’t coordinate with my mind. But on this day, I was happy to flee to the comfort of my Spanish brothers and sisters.
A unique experience! When have you been an outsider? What can we learn about welcoming those who come among us as visitors?