South African Terence Parkin won the Olympic silver medal in the men’s 200 breaststroke in Sydney in September of 2000. Though this is an accomplishment in itself, it is even more remarkable that Terrence has been deaf since birth.
Terence did not hear the cheering, the splashing of the water or the background noises in the swimming pool. Strobe lights announced the start of each race and launched him off the pad into the water.
What a feat to make the Olympics, to make the final match, and then win a medal on top of having a disability.
Coach Graham Hill noted that Terence’s biggest strength is his deafness. “He doesn’t listen to the nonsense around him”.
Keeping my mouth shut and listening more to God seems to be a lesson God is telling me lately. I laugh at the old adage that is why He only gave us one mouth and two ears. We need to listen more to Him, respond to His holy strobe light and forget the nonsense that the world throws at us.
I ponder once again what is written in Proverbs 8:34: “Blessed is the man who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.”
Jeanie, This so speaks to me right now… I am rather deafened by the noise of the world around me. Thanks for reminding me what my problem is.
Jeanie, you are so right. Our world revolves around sound, especially with all our techie stuff.
How hard it is to hear the still soft voice of the Spirit. I wonder how many times I have drowned Him out with noise?
Thanks for the reminder.