I was blessed to hear of a story where a man was watching a video of a ministry session in another language. When the man met the minister from the video in person, you could tell every fiber of him was grateful. Through the translator the man told the minister that he watched the video over and over and over. It was quite obvious to the minister that the man didn’t speak the language that the video was recorded in and there was no translation for it. Curious the minister inquired through the translator, “how did you know what was happening?” The man’s response was “I watched it until my soul understood.”
There is so much beauty in this story.
I found such deep encouragement in it as well because I have been trying to learn a few languages in preparation of the World Race. I studied Latin through Middle and High School, but I switched to Spanish when I hit college. The three semesters I had were insufficient for fluency when I went backpacking through Latin America back in 2015. I thought immersion would help but everyone wanted to speak English…
The first 3 countries I am going to are Spanish-speaking so I am using Duolingo to help me get to a place where I can speak directly. I’m pretty good at understanding what someone is saying in Spanish but when it comes time to speak it back, I flounder.
I’m also learning Swahili on Duolingo. It’s always been a language I have been interested in learning since I was in Tanzania back in 2000. While I learned some key words like Jumbo, Habari gani (Hello, How are you), and maji ya moto tafadhali (hot water please), I don’t think it will get me very far. But once again learning this language will only cover the last 3 months.
Though we are going to have translators in areas, I was wanting that direct connection with the people, especially the children. I was leaning into the book of Acts and the power of tongues and praying for that gifting.
But when I heard the above story, it was like Jesus was specking directly to my heart.
Till my soul understands.
Body language is 70% of human communication. And full confession, though my boss tells me I could never be an undercover agent because my face is too readable, I do have a resting “B” face. I want to connect with those I encounter on a deep soul level. So when we both walk away from each other, our souls will have understood.
My prayer and what I will carry the countenance of God. That my body (especially facial features) will reflect His love, grace, healing, hope and purpose. That His Presence will have been fully understood in not just their spirit, but also their soul.
