Janet Moreno and Jennifer Fusco
14 min read ⭑
“When we help others — whether out front or behind the scenes — we don’t just change individual lives; we also strengthen communities, shape futures and create ripples of hope that reach further than we could ever imagine.”
A deaf mother to four little ones, Janet Moreno loves to share the good news of Jesus in ASL online. Her family also runs Sweet SignShine, a small business that designs minimalist and timeless clothing, jewelry and key chains for the Deaf community. Also a mother, Jennifer Fusco stays busy raising two kids and shaping many more as an elementary school teacher. Together, they’ve written God’s Rainbow of Promises, a beautiful board book that teaches children ASL signs for the colors of the rainbow and the promises of Jesus.
Below, you’ll learn how Janet and Jennifer keep their spiritual and creative sparks lit, the Scriptures that empower them to fight life’s biggest battles and how they can tell when the Spirit is moving through them. Keep reading to discover why they’re fighting for stillness and surrender in the busyness of life — and the ministries and apps that have encouraged them most over the years.
QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT
Food is always about more than food; it’s also about home and people and love. So how does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind your web bio?
Janet: I’m a deaf mom of four, an entrepreneur and storyteller who weaves faith, family and Deaf culture into everything, especially my everyday living. So for my meal version, it would be Cracker Barrel! I was born and raised in West Virginia, so there’s no doubt you’ll see a lot of Cracker Barrel restaurants there. But if you really want to get to know me beyond my bio, you’ll have to sit with me near the fireplace. My go-to order would be chicken and dumplings with cornbread on the side, although it doesn’t beat my mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings!
Anyway, it’s warm, filling and simple — just like the comfort I’d always try to bring into my own home. It’s not just a meal. It’s the taste of slow family dinners, kids’ silly faces and laughter, and the reminder that joy often hides in the most ordinary places. That plate of comfort food reveals the truest version of me: a deaf mom who treasures togetherness, simplicity and the kind of love that feels like home. “The Wizard of Oz” is my favorite movie, by the way! No place like home!
Jennifer: I thrive on routine and familiarity in life, and my food choices are no different. That’s exactly why my go-to meal at our hometown restaurant, Five Loaves Café, is biscuits and gravy!
Every bite feels like coming home. Growing up, biscuits and gravy were what we woke up to on many weekends, and I find comfort in those memories. There’s beauty in simplicity, joy in tradition, and strength found in enjoying a meal with those you love.
Sweet Signshine
QUESTION #2: REVEAL
What “nonspiritual” activity have you found to be quite spiritual, after all? What quirky proclivity, out-of-the-way interest or unexpected pursuit refreshes your soul?
Janet: I love creating, whether it’s designing jewelry or toys or simply sketching ideas on paper. For me, it’s not just about making something new, it’s about bringing life to an idea. I’ll get one spark, then I’m off brainstorming, writing long plans, reaching out to others and doing the work to make it happen. And I make sure it happens every time. You can check them out on my website: www.sweetsignshine.com.
All of this, of course, happens in the middle of raising four kids, where life can feel loud with busyness. But creating and drawing are where I find my pause. They slow me down, tune me in and help me listen with my spiritual ears. Every project reminds me that things take time and that God still has his hands in everything I do. Every. Single. Thing. Without. Fail.
Jennifer: I definitely have my quirks and “nonspiritual” interests that keep me grounded and even bring me spiritual renewal. As an elementary school teacher for more than 15 years, I find absolute joy in lesson planning, helping little ones discover new things and watching their faces light up when something finally “clicks.” It may look like just teaching, but to me, it’s planting seeds and nurturing growth, which always points me back to how God teaches and guides us.
I also genuinely love cleaning, organizing and planning ahead. Most people see those as chores, but for me, they clear away the noise. I guess you could say that a tidy house or a well-laid-out plan gives me room to breathe and focus, as it reminds me of the peace and order God brings to chaos. Order brings me joy!
Helping and teaching others is another big one. Whether it’s encouraging someone, lending a hand or sharing what I know, it renews me. It’s my way of cheering others on and serving with the gifts I’ve been given — it’s all about loving others and building those relationships. And of course, that includes taking care of my family. Raising my daughter, Sophie, and son, Michael, is my greatest joy. Even in the daily routines of packing lunches, getting groceries, helping with homework or simply being present, I try to pause and find little reminders of God’s love, patience and care for us as his children. So, yes, while these might not look “spiritual” on the surface, each one renews me in its own way, reminding me that God shows up in the ordinary just as much as in the extraordinary!
QUESTION #3: CONFESS
Every superhero has a weakness; every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re all broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite and how do you confront its power?
Janet: My kryptonite is my smile. I use it like a mask, as if everything is fine. People see the smile and assume I’m strong, happy and handling it all. But sometimes, that very smile keeps me from getting the help I truly need. It hides the exhaustion, the overwhelm and the brokenness I don’t always know how to put into words. I don’t have a village, nor do I have families nearby to help me. It’s hard.
But here’s the truth that I hang onto: God sees beyond my smile. He knows the battles I hide and the weight I carry. And in those quiet moments, when I finally drop the mask, he reminds me of his promise: 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (ESV). That’s where healing begins — not in pretending I have it all together but in letting him hold me when I don’t. I am still working on it. And the funny thing is that I have lost three teeth and am getting dental implants. God is funny like that sometimes. Long story for another time!
Jennifer: As a teacher, I know that every superhero has a weakness, that’s for sure. But I haven’t really thought of what mine would be! I’d have to say it’s staying quiet rather than addressing issues head-on. For example, when conflict or tension comes up, my instinct is to retreat into silence instead of using my voice after I’ve had time to think. It feels safer to be quiet or just let things go, but I know it doesn’t always serve me or others well.
At the same time, I’m so grateful for the trust I have in God. Every time I feel attacked, I mentally ask myself, “Do you remember who your Father is?” That truth steadies me. I remember that I am God’s daughter and that he will take care of everything. That perspective keeps me from reacting out of fear or anger, which is a good thing.
Still, I know this is an area where I need to grow. Learning how to communicate better, express myself and make sure we’re all on the same page is something I continue to work on. It’s a balance of trusting God to defend me while also stepping into the courage he gives me to speak up when it’s beneficial!
QUESTION #4: FIRE UP
Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?
Janet: I hope I am answering this question correctly, but I think my toil right now is creating resources that merge Deaf culture, motherhood and faith as I’ve mentioned before. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when stories, visuals and language come together in a way that connects across generations. It’s called American Sign Language (ASL) Alliteration. It’s almost like seeing Scriptures come alive in my hands through hand shapes.
And my current obsession? ASL toy puzzles! It will be released very soon this fall/winter, and I cannot wait! I am just so grateful to be connected with an illustrator who understands ASL. Teamwork!
So why should this be your obsession, too? Well, because we all long for connection, right? We all need reminders that truth can show up in everyday things, whether it be a toy puzzle, jewelry, a children’s book and so on. The way I see it, my small tasks are a way of building those bridges between hearing and Deaf communities and inviting them to connect.
Jennifer: My toil right now is teaching. I’m investing my professional time in teaching, guiding and encouraging kids because they are the people who will grow to shape what our world looks like. Every lesson, every moment of patience and every ounce of energy and creativity poured into them is an investment in their lives and the lives of the people around them. Sometimes I’m in awe of the ripple effect that I get to have. I’ve had students — who are now grown, married and in their own professions — share how what I taught them years ago still affects their lives all these years later.
That’s part of why I am thrilled about Janet’s and my children’s book, “God’s Rainbow of Promises: An ASL Gospel Signs Board Book.” It teaches kids a total of 17 signs, including the seven colors of the rainbow and paired signs that highlight God’s promises. There will be many more books to come!
But beyond that, my obsession is helping others. I genuinely love working behind the scenes supporting, organizing and making sure things come together. For example, I know Janet has a large social media platform, but I am currently working on sending out a fun email to local churches, libraries and such to open an invitation to read our book to them! So yes, whether it’s children or adults, I find joy in lifting others up and supporting others in every way that I can.
I guess my other obsession is getting the word out on our children’s book we’ve just written together! It’s a dream come true and a blessing we hope to share with others. When we help others — whether out front or behind the scenes — we don’t just change individual lives; we also strengthen communities, shape futures and create ripples of hope that reach further than we could ever imagine.
QUESTION #5: BOOST
Whether we’re cashiers or CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need God’s love flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?
Janet: Anytime I feel rushed, stressed and that sense of heaviness, I know it’s the enemy. The enemy insults, but the Holy Spirit convicts. It’s scriptural! In order to get rid of our anxiety, we ought to remain humble. Why? Because our bodies were not designed to handle or even cope with self-glorification, let alone pride.
For example, at one point, I would keep tabs on how much more I did than someone else. It would always drain me spiritually, and because the enemy drains, I know it is not of God! The Holy Spirit does the complete opposite — he fills! As soon as I realized how prideful it was to compare myself to others, I let it go. And honestly, that’s the hardest part. But once pride is surrendered, everything else is easy to do, and things begin to fall into place. My work shifts from striving to serving, from pressure to peace and from competition to compassion.
Here’s the Scripture I turn to whenever I feel prideful in the flesh and not able to give grace: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6,7, ESV).
Humility = be at ease
Pride = anxiety
Jennifer: The Holy Spirit nudges me often, and every time, it requires obedience! Even when what he asks doesn’t make sense. One of my favorite examples was when I felt God urging me to bring extra professional outfits to an event for this specific person who was on my heart and mind. It felt odd and unnecessary, but I obeyed anyway. I packed a few outfits for her to pick from, and to my amazement, she actually needed an outfit to wear that very day! In that moment, I knew without a doubt that the Holy Spirit had gone before me, and grace was poured out in a tangible way.
That’s the beauty of grace. It shows up when we least expect it and meets needs we couldn’t have predicted. Grace fills in the gaps between our obedience and God’s bigger plan.
Because even if I had been “wrong” about that nudge, the act of obeying wouldn’t have been wasted, because grace is never wasted, right? It flows through willingness, it blesses others in hidden ways, and it reminds me that God doesn’t need my perfection — he just wants my obedience. So for me, the Spirit’s work is always marked by grace.
QUESTION #6: inspire
Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you in this season?
Janet: The spiritual practice that’s workin’ best for me right now is learning to surrender control. I mean, come on. Any parent would love to be in full control of what goes on in the house. But nope, there would be fever bouncing around. One kid would refuse to eat dinner, and the other would not sit at the table. You get the gist. So this is the verse I’ve been leaning hard on lately: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5, ESV). Seriously, that verse has become like an anchor for me. It’s funny because it’s actually my husband’s and my wedding verse! We got married in February 2017.
It’s easy to say I trust God, but in practice, I catch myself leaning on my own understanding more often than I’d like to admit. By that, I mean that I overthink, overplan, replay conversations in my head or try to manage outcomes that aren’t even mine to control. I guess you could say it’s a way for me to cope with my anxiety. But when I do it over and over, I notice what it produces in me: anxiety, heaviness, even pride, thinking that if I just work harder, I can make everything fall into place. It’s such a vicious cycle.
But when I surrender my own understanding and lean into God’s, I know everything will shift. My heart softens. My mind quiets down. I don’t know why I don’t just surrender it all to him in the first place. Hah! So right now, my daily practice is simple but helpful: whenever I feel that urge to take back control, I pause and remind myself, Do not lean on your own understanding. It’s in that pause that I sense his presence most deeply. And little by little, he is teaching me that letting go is not weakness — it’s literally faith in action.
Jennifer: As of right now, the spiritual practice that’s working best for me is stillness and listening. Life can be loud and distracting, but when I intentionally slow down and listen for God’s voice, I feel his presence in the deepest way (which will be our next book!).
I’ve always been a listener, and honestly, I like being the listener. I have the gift of discernment. People are easily drawn to me and open up quickly, often sharing things with me they might not share with others. I see that as a gift from God, a way he uses me to hold space for others. But I also know it flows from my spiritual practice; the more I learn to listen to him, the better I become at listening to people.
It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Sometimes, it’s just sitting in silence early in the morning with my hot cup of coffee and my open Bible. Other times, it’s pausing in the middle of the day to breathe and pray, “God, please help me.” Those moments of stillness remind me that I don’t have to strive or fix everything. God is already right there, and I just need to take the time to hear him … and then reflect his grace by listening to others. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12, ESV).
QUESTION #7: FOCUS
Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top resources stand out to you? What changed reality and changed your heart?
Janet: I love In Touch Ministries! Whenever I put on my cochlear implant to watch Charles Stanley on YouTube, it’s not only his teaching, but it’s also his voice that is calming and soothing. He doesn’t yell, and he doesn’t rush … he simply allows the Holy Spirit to speak through him. I never feel stressed or confused about what he’s teaching or saying. He explains everything in a way that is plain and simple, from A to Z. He doesn’t jump all over the place, and that means so much to someone like me who craves stillness in a chaotic world. Because when it’s plain and simple, it allows me to process everything without such pressure.
Jennifer: One of the resources that has impacted me the most is Peggy Joyce Ruth’s work on Psalm 91. My husband always teases me (in the nicest way!) that she’s become my “spiritual mom” because of how much I’ve learned from her. Her teachings have shaped the way I approach Scripture, especially when it comes to understanding God’s promises and applying them in everyday life. What I love most is how practical and faith-filled her work is, and it’s not just theory — it’s something you can live out. She’s helped me anchor myself more deeply in God’s Word, and I can’t help but share her wisdom with others because of how much it’s blessed me.
Certain things can be godsends, helping us survive, even thrive, in our fast-paced world. Does technology ever help you this way? Has an app ever boosted your spiritual growth? If so, how?
Janet and Jennifer: YouVersion! It has so many resources, and it's easy to use. Pretty straightforward!
QUESTION #8: dream
God’s continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?
Janet: You can absolutely expect more children’s books and chapter books from us, because they’re coming — that’s guaranteed! You also may see me on YouTube soon because one of my biggest goals is to grow my channel. I hope that will happen soon, but for now, motherhood is a ministry of mine in this beautiful season.
Jennifer: We’re excited to keep writing more children’s books! Janet and I have one specific story in mind that’s especially close to our hearts, which is about twin sisters — one deaf and one hearing. Are you surprised? Hah! Their journey together will show the beauty of their bond, the challenges they face and the ways they celebrate both their differences and their sameness. We can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
We all have masks and coping mechanisms we use to hide from the uncomfortable parts of life. For Janet, it’s her smile — telling everyone she’s fine, even when she’s not. For Jennifer, it’s pulling back from conflict, even when it would be better if she spoke her mind.
But Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, ESV, emphasis added).
We don’t need to rely on the coping mechanisms we’ve built over the years for protection or peace. Our Jesus loves to protect us. He loves to rescue. He loves to give us rest. In every moment and in every way.
Janet Moreno is a deaf mom raising four hearing children alongside her deaf college sweetheart in Annapolis, Maryland. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in love and faith. She shares the gospel in American Sign Language (ASL) on Instagram, making truth accessible for the Deaf community. Her family is also the heart behind Sweet SignShine, a small family-run business that blends creativity and Deaf culture. Whether at home, in her business or online, she is committed to shining light and spreading joy through every sign, every story, and every moment.
A dedicated elementary school teacher with over 15 years of experience, Jennifer Fusco has a passion for inspiring young minds and building strong foundations for lifelong learning. She’s a proud mom of two, happily married to her high school sweetheart and raising their family in the heart of Summerville, South Carolina. Whether she’s in the classroom or cheering on her kids from the sidelines, she brings energy, compassion and creativity to everything she does — at home, at school and in her community.