I’m good at lip-reading, and I speak as a hearing person does; I don’t use sign language. Still, because of my hearing loss, I miss out on a lot.

Other kids in school loved going to church camp. I went along; and every time, I returned home in tears. Each night, the kids told jokes and stories around the campfire. I couldn’t even laugh along, because I didn’t understand what they said. Lip reading doesn’t help in the dark.

The last camp I went to, I felt entirely alone—again. The other kids were sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and having a blast. I’d had enough. I got up and took a walk in the woods. When I found an open field, I looked up to see a full moon and a sky full of stars.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20b (NRSV)

“Here I am, all alone again,” I said out loud.

And I felt God saying to me, “You are not alone. I am right here with you.” I have carried that promise with me ever since.

TAKE A PRAYER WALK: When I feel lonely, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I take a walk. I pray to God, pouring my heart out about what’s going on in my life. These prayer walks encourage me and remind me that I am never truly alone. God is with me. When you’re on your own and feeling lonely, take a prayer walk and talk to God, who is always with you.