Faith in the Journey: A Reflection from the Skies
In January 2025, I traveled to Minnesota to meet with the leadership team at
Deaf Harbor, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) faith-based organization. I encourage you
to learn more about their incredible work by visiting their website.
They provide valuable resources for the Deaf community that reflect the love of Jesus.
Our Office Administrator, Jennifer, and I flew from Baltimore to Minneapolis.
During the flight, I found myself in awe of the Creator. I captured these two
pictures myself to preserve the moment. In the first, you can see the breathtaking
view I witnessed: a deep blue sky with a thick layer of clouds below. As our
plane descended, I took the second photo while passing through the dense cloud
layer. In this one, you can see a blank expanse of blue and grey. My mood shifted
as the scene transformed—from a stunning, awe-inspiring view to a moment where I
couldn’t see anything at all.
As I looked out at the dense clouds, I immediately thought of Hebrews 11. In this
chapter, the Apostle Paul beautifully describes faith:
“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real
even if we do not see it. Faith is the reason we remember great people who lived in
the past.” — Hebrews 11:1-2 (NCV)
I turned to Jennifer and said:
“This is what faith looks like. We know the cities are down there, but we can’t see
them because of the clouds. We just have to keep walking in faith, trusting the call,
even when the path ahead is unclear.”
As parents raising Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, your journey may often feel
like this picture—uncertain and clouded. Your journey might feel like the sudden,
overnight change I described when our flight descended disorienting and leaving
you unsure of what’s ahead.
Yet, God calls you to walk by faith, trusting Him to guide you every step of the way.
I encourage you to read Hebrews 11 and reflect on His love letter to you. Meditate
on the words, circle the ones that stand out, and bring them to Him in prayer.
“It was by faith Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to another place God promised
to give him. He left his own country, not knowing where he was to go. It was by
faith that he lived like a foreigner in the country God promised to give him.
He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who had received that same promise from
God. Abraham was waiting for the city that has real foundations—the city planned
and built by God.” — Hebrews 11:8-10 (NCV)
This passage reminds me of my own journey in the spring of 2014. I felt convinced
that God was calling me to apply my studies in Disability Advocacy to ministry and
policy work. It wasn’t easy – I wrestled with God, uncertain of the path ahead. But
that summer, I surrendered. What helped me surrender was turning to God’s creation
and His Word at the same time. I looked up at the night sky, filled with millions
of stars, and remembered Abraham’s obedience. He didn’t fully understand God’s call,
yet he chose to walk in faith and obedience. I stepped out in faith, leaving behind
my comfort zone, trusting God’s direction even though I couldn’t see the destination.
I encourage you to take time to reflect, meditate, and pray. What does faith
mean to me? Let God speak to your heart and guide you as you walk this journey.
Trust in Him, surrender to His call, and find peace knowing that He is always with you.
As you reflect on God’s call in your own life, may you find encouragement in His creation
and His promises. Like Abraham, you may not fully understand the path ahead, but trust
that God’s plans are good and His guidance is steadfast. Let the beauty of the stars,
the assurance of His Word, and the hope of His promises strengthen your faith. Step forward
in obedience, knowing that He walks with you every step of the way. Surrender your worries
to Him today and trust in His perfect plan for your journey.
With love and encouragement,
Tanya Polstra
Executive Director of Deaf Kids Connect