Inclusion – Sign with Alan
Hello readers, firstly I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2024.
I would like to begin this article with a clip from the movie, Miracle on 34th Street.
https://youtu.be/8dvqM5P6Fv4?feature=shared
Although British Sign Language and American Sign Language are about 80% different. What they represent to sign language users is the same.
When I see this part of the movie, it captures how important equality, diversity and inclusion is. How many people in this world know any sign language? I love to see the child’s face when Santa signs to her. The amazement and pure joy of another human being that can connect with her, in her world. This is not just a movie, but a truth in many people’s lives; particularly those who are Deaf and according to the British Deaf Association there are 87,000 Deaf people in the UK. Their minds and perception of reality is visual and for the majority of Deaf people; their first language is sign language. Interaction with the ‘hearing world’ or those that can hear and information is speech can be difficult without any visual aid. A few signs or gestures go a long way to breaking down barriers; not just for Deaf people but also those who are non speaking, have down syndrome or even people who have had strokes. Although learning the language of the Deaf community is not easy, it is very rewarding on many levels and you will perceive language in a whole new light.
In the bible it is written “ The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them”
I don’t believe here Jesus is referring to a miracle cure of the physical senses in this passage. I believe this is about the spiritual and is much more symbolic. He is talking of a time when we can transcend our egotistical selfishness and connect with our inner spirit and work for the highest good of all. I believe here Jesus is referring to when we are truly enlightened, we will no longer be deaf to the truth, we will not be blind with fear (also known as false evidence that appears real) but see the truth. There will be no disease and we will awaken from the slumber of spiritual death and live in the light of truth. This is no easy task as I am aware personally, there is a long way to go to reach such a spiritual pinnacle, of which Jesus (or is also known as Jeshua) lived and was the embodiment of.
In the months to come I feel I will be inclined to share more of these wonderful biblical passages, as when meditated upon, our minds and hearts become so much more open to the truth of ourselves and the world around us.
The 3 signs for this month are:
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Merry Christmas
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Family
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Jesus
As always for all those new to sign language and want to learn. I recommend the best place to start is the alphabet. There are lots of videos relating to the BSL alphabet on you tube. This video I feel is one of the best:
Have fun. See you soon.
Godbless.
The next Day of Healing is on January 6th at Crosby Library 10-2pm. I will be there to help out, guide people to the right services. Also, if anyone wishes to learn a little sign language, I will be happy to get you started.
All help given on the day is free of charge. Pop in for a cuppa and piece of cake.
Alan.
If you wish to know more about this subject pop in for a chat, cuppa and piece of cake. If you are feeling burnt out from Christmas come in and have a treatment. Donations are welcome. If you wish to know more about what we do and why, click on the links below or if wish to join our self healing group starting on the 13/01/23 get in touch.