Walking into a room in all my twenty years has never been more rewarding. Anyone that has had a "first day" experience with anything in life, knows the many tiresome thoughts and questioning that play endlessly in the mind. Leading up to the "first day" many questions are asked, but rarely answered. I asked many questions leading up to August 28^th, 2006. Questions that mainly began with, "What if?" The only answered question was one I, myself, never asked.

"What did you learn from this class this semester?" I can answer this despicable question with only one day of instruction. The answer? Perseverance. As I entered into Room HSC 127 I knew not what lied before me. Nevertheless, I took my seat, gathered a pen, roughly five sheets of paper, and sat in earnest anticipation.

               "I found it!," A gentleman shrieked as he entered into the room.

As I observed the reaction from the woman shuffling through papers sitting behind the desk, I knew something was odd. She acknowledged the gentleman's blatant greeting in a silent manner which seemed rather numb.  I spoke for her; saying quietly:

               "Okay! That's wonderful. Take a seat."

Funny. I could not help but laugh. I later realized she knew not what the gentleman said. About twenty minutes later, the lady behind the desk exited and reentered Room HSC 127 followed by two subjects. Moments later, taking her place in front of the desk, the woman gestured in a manner which emitted words from one of the two subjects:

               "Hello, my name is Natalie Ludwig. And I will be your teacher for Chemistry 1405."

HUH! I could not believe what was going on. The woman now standing in front of the desk, Natalie Ludwig, my instructor, is hearing impaired. Deaf. Mute. Talk about being in a state of awe! I soon realized these two subjects were Natalie Ludwig's "voice". Perseverance.

For the first time in her life, unknowingly, Ms. Ludwig spoke to me. I heard her voice. No, it may not have been audible, but it was louder than any sound I have ever heard. Standing before me was a woman that has made it in life hearing impaired. I do not know how long she has had to endure, but she has persevered. She refused to let her situation define her and restrain her from living. Yes, Ms. Ludwig spoke to me. I truly thank her. Sometimes it takes a first hand experience for God to speak to us. God allowed Ms. Ludwig's voice to be heard. In all my years, I have never been blessed to have a hearing impaired teacher. She may never know what she has done for me; but I sincerely thank her in her ignorance.

I thank her, because I now see what the devil meant for bad, GOD meant for good! I thank her, because I now see that as long as JESUS is alive there is HOPE. I thank her, because I now see that no matter what we must go through in life, GOD will never allow more on us than we can bare. I thank her, because I now see that trouble will not last always! Lastly, I thank her, because I now see that we are NOT defined by our situation(s)!

Ms. Ludwig could have easily lost hope and gave up a while ago; but I thank God she didnt because I would have never been blessed as I was on this day. Perseverance. Isn't this what life is all about? Whatever we may go through, willingly and unwillingly in this uncertain life, we must endure. Endure till the end. If you are reading this right now...be encouraged. No matter what you may be going through, hold on. Believe. Believe that GOD is able. He is able to bring you out or see you through your situation(s). If you are dealing with some life altering or treating illness that is incurable...KNOW that GOD will carry you through. He carried Natalie Ludwig and he will do the same for you. He heard her cry and you best believe he hears your despairing plea right now. Persevere and BE BLESSED!

Ms. Ludwig may never be able to speak or hear again, but my prayer is that she knows Jesus can take our moans, groans, and silence and interpret them in such a way only HE can understand. He hears and speaks for us when we can neither hear nor speak for ourselves.

As I come to a close, I dare not end without saying, "Thank you Jesus." Thank you for allowing me to see that NOTHING can keep us from your love, grace, or mercy. Wonderful you are. Mighty God. You continue to bless us even in our situations. What more can I say? You continue to bless Natalie Ludwig even in...her...silence!

-J.L