Finding Peace in Our Communities

On Hands and Hearts 

 by Janine Simons

From where I sit, I sense the presence of many hands. These hands, stretched out and extended, have carried me and borne me through times of distress and despair. They have held in their own, my feeble hands when they have hung down in grief and uncertainty. I love these hands. I could not have made it thus far without them. 

They have lifted my sagging spirits and reminded me of who I was and who I am. They have held my trembling heart (and oh, how it has trembled) when perhaps, even their own has been full of silent grief. Yet, they have loved me as one of their own. 

For so long, I held back, uncertain of the sincerity of others. An ignorant independence that I needed to do this on my own. Was it fear or shame that kept me from reaching out to outstretched hands? Both. I wanted to be strong for them but forgot that I needed to be strengthened first. 

It was humbling to accept their help. But when, through tears in my own eyes, I saw compassion in theirs, I knew that I had come unto my own. I had been brought once again, into the fold of the blessed and carried in the arms of kind and gracious shepherds. These, then, had led me to the Good Shepherd and all He has to give. 

My desire is strong now. I want, more than anything, to give to others as I have received. To raise their trembling chin so they may see the face of God and live. There is so much doubt, so much fear, so much despair in hidden chambers. How to touch, how to reach? I must not think of climbing mountains when there are those on the plains who need my voice and touch. Pray, let my eyes be open to see those struggling with thirst in the parched desert of my own backyard. Let Thy words flow through me to them. Let Thy loving touch, which has been given me in abundance, emanate from my hands to theirs. 

We are a circle of loved ones, joined by heritage and circumstance. We are to love, care for, and tend to the wounds of the weary. I understand the weary heart, the trembling chin, the tear-filled eyes. I have felt the pains of loneliness and despair. I know the ache of unfulfilled dreams. Let my compassion grow and increase by touching the hands of those who fall down around me.