I Believe
As Someone Who Is Deaf, I Felt Like an Outsider. I Found Belonging in the Church
Becoming a member of the Lord’s Church has taught me that no matter the challenges we face, faith and hope in Him can lead us to peace, purpose, and belonging.
Growing up deaf, I often felt invisible and disconnected from the world around me, unsure if I’d ever find a space where I truly fit.
Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. I believed there was more to life than the struggles I faced, and I was determined to find it.
Finding the Church
A few years ago, I was searching for a purpose in life and discovered a Facebook page called “ASL Followers of Jesus Christ in Washington, D.C.”
I had never heard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I did know American Sign Language (ASL), and something about the page resonated with me. I commented on a post and, to my surprise, received a response. The sister missionaries running the page asked me two questions:
“How did you find us?”
“What do you know about Jesus Christ?”
I was honest in my reply: I had no faith, hope, or sense of self-worth. The response from the sister missionaries changed everything. They encouraged me to focus on trusting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, promising They would help me through my struggles. Though I was skeptical at first, I felt their words resonating with me.
As I explored the gospel, I realized that life is a journey back to Heavenly Father, full of ups and downs, twists and turns. But with faith and hope in Jesus Christ, I could navigate this journey and find peace and happiness (see 1 Nephi 17:13).
Over the next few months, I worked with the ASL sister missionaries in D.C., learning about the gospel and growing in my faith. I attended church, participated in activities, and even visited the Washington D.C. Temple during its open house. When I walked into the celestial room for the first time, I felt a peace and tranquility I had never experienced before.
As I continued my journey, I faced new challenges and opportunities. I transferred to a new college in New York, where I not only met new friends but also deepened my faith. During this time, I made the decision to be baptized—a decision that transformed my life for the better.
Finding Faith and Belonging
When I joined the Church, I felt like I had finally found my place.
The words of Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have been a constant reminder of the hope that I now have: “Our hope of eternal life is assured through the grace of Christ and our own choices.” These words help me feel assured that I am not alone and that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice gives me the opportunity to repent and return to my Heavenly Father.
Though I felt like an outsider for much of my life, the Church brought me a sense of belonging and purpose. Through faith in Jesus Christ, I discovered that I am a child of God, worthy of love and eternal happiness. Where I once felt isolated and alone, I now feel a deep sense of belonging, knowing that I am never alone, no matter the challenges I face.
If you are seeking peace, belonging, and purpose in your life, I encourage you to take the first step in your own journey by exploring the gospel of Jesus Christ and deepening your faith in Him.
Discover the hope that comes from embracing your divine identity. Know that you are never alone—and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you through your struggles.