My Hands

I live 800 miles from my mother in Jackson, MS, but I think of her every day. As I “see” her in my mind, her hands often come into focus. At 85, the decades of arthritis have enlarged the joints in most of her fingers. Thankfully, this type of arthritis is without pain. Though gnarled, Sarah Loftin’s hands are beautiful to those who know what those hands have done.

As I was washing my hands last week, I noticed something. A joint on the index finger of my right hand seemed swollen. At first I thought it was a bug bite or injury, but then I discovered the truth. A knot is developing on that joint – a knot that looks very similar to the knots I have seen on my mother’s hands for the past forty years. Yes, I am beginning to get my mother’s hands. That’s a good thing.

My mother has done a good job of telling me that she loves me, and demonstrating that love in countless acts – mostly unseen and underappreciated by me. I hope that my lips and hands will live up to this model – a lifestyle that is based on the character and teaching of Jesus.

Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, talks about the glorious day that he will run into the arms of Jesus. Wess imagines that Jesus will reach down to wipe away his tears of utter adoration, but he adds, “I pray that He also has to wipe the sweat off my brow.” Worship and witness.

I’m looking at my hands more and more these days. Someday, perhaps today, I believe that Jesus will ask me about my hands. Perhaps He will say, “What has your love for Me caused you to do for others?”

I’m hitting the road again soon. I’ll be meeting with church leaders and other Christ followers in places like Gulf Breeze, Jackson, Starkville, Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Thomasville and Tallahassee. Pray for me, and if I see you on one of these stops, ask me about my hands.

2 Responses to “My Hands”

1. Lenia Salgado says:

   September 8, 2009 at 9:41 am

   I love it! … God is so detailed-oriented. He has given you a treat, a true mark in your own body of your mom’s influence and impact. Although she is far away, at the same time she is so close. May the physical similarities serve as reminders of the importance of leaving a legacy of influence for generations to come. God bless and have a wonderful, fruitful, and prosperous trip. ~ Lenia

   Reply
2. Pam says:

   September 28, 2009 at 8:16 pm

   James, when I think of hands, I think of my grandmothers hands, narled with Arthritis as well and my Mom’s and Dad’s hands…as well as the words from the song..Years ago, the late singer/song writer/poet Dan Fogelberg wrote a song about his own father called The Leader of the Band. It goes,
   He earned his love through discipline– a thundering, velvet hand
   His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand…I also think of God’s hands this way too.
   Wonderful post..thank you.
   Pam

   Reply