hearing – Grits with Grace

Grace, gratitude, life, Scripture, sovereignty of God, Trials

The Sky is Falling

Posted on April 22, 2025April 19, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:13

The clock was ticking…and I didn’t even know it. Getting older is, well, interesting. It certainly has its perks…like you mess up and people just give you that knowing nod, you know, the one that says, “We’re gonna give you a pass on that because you are old(er).” Of course, sometimes they are not understanding, and they give you the “what for.” One of the things that is just a bit difficult are the things that you lose. You know sometimes you lose your mind, sometimes you lose your hair, sometimes you lose your teeth, sometimes you lose your vision and sometimes you lose your hearing. Wait, what did you say?

Well, I can speak from personal experience on a couple of those things. My hair is in full retreat and my hearing, in a least one ear, is well, less than. One of favorite hearing tests is the fact that I can cover my “bad” ear and still hear our clock ticking at 25 feet. If I cover my good ear…not matter how close I get…I can’t hear a thing. One time I put my face up to the face of the clock and still couldn’t hear it. But here’s what is kinda strange—it’s not every sound, but only certain frequencies. I can hear most voices (except for some reason my wife’s), most music, and most other sounds. Of course, some things you just can’t hear—or see coming. That happened several years ago. A clock was ticking, and I had no idea.

My wife called me one Wednesday afternoon. She sounded a bit frustrated—you know like that tone wives have when they ask their husbands to take the trash out for three days…well, it was kinda like that. Just a little edgy. But this had nothing to do with the trash. Instead, she said, “Dewayne the ceiling in the middle bedroom has fallen.” I said, “What?” She repeated what she said, yes—I had heard her right. It turns out that over half of the plaster ceiling in the spare room was now laying on the bed and floor. I said I was on my way! When I got home, I found out that she was not kidding or even exaggerating. Water-soaked plaster and blown insulation covered the bed and the entire floor. What a mess! How do you even begin to clean it up?

As it turns out…it was not a fluke. We have an air conditioning unit in our attic for the upstairs. When the company installed it, they build a small platform where the overflow pan would sit. The pan was there in case the primary drain clogged. So, unknown to me the main drain clogged, and the pan began to fill. The pan also had a drain but in this case, it just wasn’t enough to handle the excess water. As it filled with water the platform slowly, ever so slowly, began to tilt. As it tilted, the water in the pan spilled over the edge and onto the attic floor, seeping into the ceiling. Slowly, surely, over a few days, and believe it or not, without a drip, the ceiling continued to absorb the water until it had enough… and the insulation and plaster fell…big time.

It was a sloppy, no fun, you’ve got to be kidding me, mess. And then, of course, we had to repair the ceiling. It took us a couple of hours to clean up the mess and a good friend helped me repair the ceiling. We also had someone come in and properly rebuild the platform so it would not give way again. In two or three weeks the whole thing was a memory. It was a learning experience for sure. One lesson I learned, is to make a trip to the attic on a regular basis and make sure everything is working. Pour some bleach in the drain to kill any algae and make sure the drain isn’t clogged. Two, understand that there are clocks ticking that we don’t hear…can’t hear and when the straw breaks the camel’s back—you’ve got yourself a dead camel.

Life is filled with surprises and with some of them, all the preparation and all the good intentions in the world, can’t help you avoid them. But we can do what we can. It never occurred to me to ask God why He allowed that ceiling to fall. I mean, I know He loves me and I’m sure on that day He wasn’t mad at me. The bottom line is… I didn’t do my part. My part was to make a trip to the attic every once in a while and check things out. His part was to help me not lose my cool in the midst of the mess. And, amazingly, even though I didn’t do my thing…He did His. He sent friends to help and now in the summer when the air is running I make an occasional trip to the attic. You know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—or several pounds of wet insulation and plaster. So, thank you Father for helping me grow in patience and shrink a little in frustration. Thank you for being faithful and for always being there. I know You’ve got this. Bro. Dewayne

fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, missions, prayer, thankful, travel, Trials

Can You Say That Again?

Posted on June 22, 2023June 21, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Strange things happen in Africa. For the past 12 or 13 years, our church has made regular trips to Africa. We began in Niger and later moved down to Mali. The last six years or so we have been working in Uganda. Regardless of what country, you can always count on Africa to give you plenty of unusual and strange sights. So, in some ways I wasn’t surprised.

We were on an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. On any given trip we visit at least three or four different islands offering free medical care, children’s ministries, ladies ministries and visiting the people in their huts to tell them the stories of Jesus. The point of it all is to let them hear the Good News that there is a God who loves them—a lot. It was later in the afternoon, and we were winding down for the day. The medical clinic was finishing and four or five of us men were sitting in the shade under the “front porch” of one of the buildings.

So, we were talking and like I said you see some different things in Africa, so I wasn’t surprised when my friend said, “Look, there goes a woman with a peg leg.” Well, I turned around to look and didn’t see what he was talking about. I did see a lady some distance away but couldn’t see her peg leg. I mean, the only peg legs I knew about were in Peter Pan, so it piqued my curiosity.

I turned back around but didn’t say anything. But it stuck in my mind. After ten minutes or so, I just had to ask my friend about this strange sight. I said, “Tim, did you say something about a lady with a peg leg?” His expression told me I must have missed something. He gave me a perplexing look. All he could manage was a “uh?” I said, “You know, a few minutes ago you said you saw a lady with a peg leg.” He responded with, “No. I said I saw a man carrying a stringer of fish.” Silence. Snickers. Laughter.

Yup. Somewhere in the process of the conversation what was said and what I heard were two totally, and I mean totally, different things. There was no lady with a peg leg, only a guy with a stringer of fish. You are probably wondering how I got “peg leg” out of “stringer of fish.” All I can say is strange things happen in Africa. I’m glad there wasn’t a crippled lady but the idea of a peg leg like Captain Cook’s sure did intrigue me.

And do you know what? Sometimes I think this happens with God and me. I think He is saying something, and I totally miss it. Does that happen to you? I think it’s more common than we think. We think we hear Him say, “You have the right to be mad” and in fact He’s saying, “Forgive.” We think we hear Him say, “Take” and He was actually saying, “Give.” Oh, and then we thought He said, “Quit” and He was saying, “Serve.” And it just goes on and on. We hear “Leave” and He is saying, “Stay.” We hear “Go ahead” and He is saying “Stop, wait, don’t.” Seems strange things don’t happen only in Africa. Smile.

So, I’m not sure what caused the totally humorous miscommunication in Uganda. It may have been my hearing, could have been the village noise…who knows. There may not have been a fix for that, however, when it comes to hearing God clearly there is something that will really help. It is His Word. In so many situations (though I’m not sure peg legs are one of them) the Bible gives us clear guidance.

Here is one thing you can count on. The voice of God (what we think we hear God saying) will not, ever, never, contradict the Word of God. If you think you hear Him saying, “Revenge” when someone has hurt you, you probably have “Peg Leg Syndrome.” If you think you hear Him saying, “Be afraid” when circumstances are frightful, you probably have “Peg Leg Syndrome.” You get the idea.

Talking about the Word of God, Paul said that it is good for learning, good for insight about what is wrong in our lives, good for correcting us when we are wrong and good for teaching us about how to live right. The Bible is an amazing Book. It has stood the test of time and, while there are different translations, there is not a version 4.3 because God got it right the first time.

So, if you are talking with your friends and someone mentions a lady with a peg leg, you might want to ask for some clarification. And if you think you heard God say something that sounds a little not like Him, check the Book, and go to the source. Peg leg stories can be funny, but withholding forgiveness when it is ours to give, hating instead of loving, leaving too soon instead of staying…well, that can cause a lot of pain. And if you find yourself singing and living that 1974 hit “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” it might just be a bad case of Peg Leg Syndrome. Just pull out the Book, read a little and rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Tic-Toc

Posted on May 18, 2023May 17, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17

It was one of those defining moments. We have lots of clocks in our home. Now I’m speaking of the clocks that you need to wind, and they go “tic-toc-tic-toc.” I have always prided myself on my good eyesight and hearing. So, when I turned 40 it was bye-bye good eyesight and hello reading glasses. About five years ago, it was my hearing’s turn.

I enjoy sitting in our house and listening to our clocks go tic-toc. I know, I don’t get out much–no pun intended. I would distinctly hear each clock ticking in the room. Over here was the grandfather clock, over there was the regulator and over there was the mickey mouse clock–just kidding. Then one day it happened. I was a bit sleepy, so I leaned my head to one side using my right hand to cover my right ear and bam. No more clocks ticking. “What is wrong with the clocks?” I said. Uh, it wasn’t the clocks.

Well, I got up and stuck my finger in my right ear and suddenly I felt like I was living Simon and Garfunkel’s song, “The Sounds of Silence.” So, I stuck my finger in my left ear and things were ticking just fine. I’m no ear doctor and that was not a definitive test by I discovered something wasn’t working in my left ear. Can someone say, “What did you say?”

Yup, that’s right. So, I made an appointment with an ear doctor, and he confirmed what I knew. I had significant hearing loss in my left ear but fortunately just a little in my right. I’m sure I know what caused it. I cut firewood every weekend for about 15 years without ear protection. Not a good idea.

Here is the interesting part of the story. In what is now officially known as my “bad” ear, I am almost totally deaf to certain frequencies but can hear others perfectly fine. Most music is ok, but when it comes to clocks ticking–nothing. I can put my ear up to the clock and plug my good ear “old faithful” and I can’t hear a thing. Amazingly that is also true with my wife’s voice. How odd.

Well, fortunately, no hearing aids yet, but there are a few “whats” and “what did you say.” If I look at you funny when we are speaking, it probably means that your voice is the same frequency of a ticking clock. Since hearing clocks tick is not a life essential, I’m good. But then what about other things? What about other frequencies?

I wonder sometimes if God’s voice is like the ticking clock? I wonder if He speaks and all I get is “the sounds of silence?” Of course, the worst fear is what if I have developed selective hearing. I’m sure Judy’s voice is not the frequency of a ticking clock but strangely she speaks, and sometimes I don’t hear. Or better put–I don’t listen.

I’m not the only man to think that–I’m just the only one crazy enough to write it down. But this God thing—now that’s another matter. What if He speaks and I don’t listen? If there is one voice, I need to hear–it is His. I mean missing Judy’s voice might mean missing supper. Missing God’s voice can mean consequences–big consequences. Fortunately, God does have an incredible hearing aid and it comes in the form of His Word.

Romans 10:17 says “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” You see, faith is essential every day, but especially these days. We gain faith not just from hearing but hearing the Word of God. Here’s the big part–hearing isn’t hearing–it is comprehending. Our faith grows when we READ the Word, comprehend the Word and apply the Word. It’s not about ears, it is about hearts. Receiving Hearts. Our hearts.

So, if you can’t hear your clock ticking, go see the tic-tic ear doc. But in this crazy busy world if you are having trouble hearing God, get alone, get quiet, and start reading the Word. Take your time, savor every word of the Word, and don’t be surprised as you find yourself resting in Him. Don’t be surprised when you find your believing–really believing, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, gratitude, life, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Chatting With the Father

Posted on January 17, 2023January 16, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12

“What was that, again?” We had a winter storm and though it wasn’t as nasty as they said it was going to be it was still more than enough to warrant staying off the roads and in the house. Turns out, it was a two day in the house deal. Well, we had an invitation to go eat dinner with a couple on Friday night, but it looked like the weather was going to nix that. Another good friend was invited to go and frankly, I was disappointed when it looked like it wasn’t going to happen. She wasn’t sure the roads would be safe. I mean, this was one of those good invites…great friends and great food. So, my wife Judy and I were thrilled when she called and said it looked like the roads were going to be clear enough…so Friday night we were off and running.

Judy sat up front and I was in the backseat. Our friend owns one of those Toyota off road things…you know, the kind that would be at home in a safari in Africa so trust me the roads were not going to stop us. I told her we should go four-wheeling before the night was over. Smile. So, anyway, soon we were on our way. Now, her vehicle may be made to conquer Africa, but it is not made for conversation…especially for those in the backseat. I was content to just ride but several times a question or something came from the front seat, directed my way. The result was a “Huh,” or a “What?”

You see, first, I do have some hearing loss. There are some frequencies that I hear perfect and some that I just don’t. Usually, questions from my wife fall in the latter category. Second, her Africa eating vehicle had those tires that like to sing…loudly. Third, there was a pretty good portion of wind noise and finally, I was in the back seat, and they were in the front seat facing away from me. The bottom line, there wasn’t going to be a lot of conversation…at least not any that involved me. It was true going…and it was true coming home. All that was fine by me except when it was a question requiring an answer and then well, we were back to the “Huh,” and “What’s.” I must confess it was just a hair frustrating.

I wasn’t surprised…with that much interference a person with good hearing would probably have struggled. You put enough interference out there and nobody can hear anything. That is true with people and wait for it, it is equally true with God. I believe in prayer…not the wish list kind but the kind where I get to know God better. I believe in prayer…the kind where I can chat with my Dearest Daddy. No, it is not formal, but it is respectful. The one thing I forget too often is that it is a conversation, going both ways. I do the part of me speaking very well…I just don’t do the part of me listening as well. Sometimes I forget that He probably has more to say to me than I do to Him. How interesting.

Another thing is that interference thing. Just like my experience in my friend’s “over the river and through the woods” vehicle, so too often there is plenty of interference between me and my Father. Yesterday’s sin and failures, today’s plans and worries about tomorrow all tend to speak loudly in my mind and heart and if I am not careful…drown out His voice. You see God often is more of a whisperer than a shouter and trust me His whispers are worth hearing. One time, He was talking with one of His prophets. There were all kind of big things going on, a fierce wind, fire, and earthquake and yet God didn’t speak through those…instead, He whispered.

So let me encourage you to take the time to get away, get quiet and get still. When you get there have a chat…not filled with big and flowery words but words from a sincere heart spoken directly to a Dearest Father who loves you more than you can imagine. Then be sure and give Him a moment or two speak into the conversation. Listen carefully for He might speak softly. He will whisper His love and probably just assure you that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, forgiveness, friends, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, wisdom

Chatting With the Father

Posted on February 11, 2022February 8, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12

“What was that, again?” Last week we had a winter storm. Though it wasn’t as nasty as they said it was going to be it was still more than enough to warrant staying off the roads and in the house. Turns out, it was a two day in the house deal. Well, we had an invitation to go eat dinner with a couple on Friday night, but it looked like the weather was going to nix that. Another good friend was invited to go and frankly, I was disappointed when it looked like it wasn’t going to happen. She wasn’t sure the roads would be safe. I mean, this was one of those good invites…great friends and great food. So, my wife Judy and I were thrilled when she called and said it looked like the roads were going to be clear enough…so Friday night we were off and running.

Family, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, thankful, wisdom

Tic-Toc

Posted on June 29, 2021June 28, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17

It was one of those defining moments. We have lots of clocks in our home. Now I’m speaking of the clocks that you need to wind and they go “tic-toc-tic-toc.” I have always prided myself on my good eyesight and hearing. So, when I turned 40 it was bye-bye good eyesight and hello reading glasses. About five years ago, it was my hearing’s turn.

Yup, that’s right. So, I made an appointment with an ear doctor, and he confirmed what I knew. I had significant hearing loss in my left ear but fortunately just a little in my right. I’m sure, I know what caused it. I cut firewood every weekend for about 15 years without ear protection. Not a good idea.

Well, fortunately, no hearing aids yet, but there are a few “whats” and “what did you says.” If I look at you funny when we are speaking, it probably means that your voice is the same frequency of a ticking clock. Since hearing clocks tick is not a life essential, I’m good. But then what about other things? What about other frequencies?

I’m not the only man to think that–I’m just the only one crazy enough to write it down. But this God thing—now that’s another matter. What if He speaks and I don’t listen? If there is one voice I need to hear–it is His. I mean missing Judy’s voice might mean missing supper. Missing God’s voice can mean consequences–big consequences. Fortunately, God does have an incredible hearing aid and it comes in the form of His Word.