Monday, August 2, 2010

He Will Hold Your Hand

I set my eyes on the door of the bank, eager to step in before other clients so I can finish my bank transaction for the day right away. But then I saw a silver-haired man, wobbling and slowly reaching for the single, slender trunk of an ornamental plant outside the bank. He was obviously looking for something firm to hold on to as he makes his way slowly and unsteadily towards the bank.

I rushed to the old man and extended my right hand. He beamed, pleasantly surprised at the gesture. Then he muttered, "This arthritis... I couldn't move because of this."

As I held his wrinkled hand to support him, I felt his thick, hard palm and fingers. He continued to explain how difficult it is for him to move around, and was even apologetic for being elderly. Before entering the bank, he repeatedly thanked me, grateful for the sudden but much needed help.

I tried to imagine how that grandfather must have felt while staggering his way to the bank. Was he afraid of tripping and hurting his fragile self? Did he pity himself for being weak and alone, without a family member to support him?

It will be some more years before all my hair turn to gray and before my knees shake. But sometimes, like that old man, I also stagger, hindered by fear, worry and condemnation. I question present realities and wish for another life. Then, God extends His big hands to me, wraps me in His arms and comforts me with His reassuring love. Fear disappears in the presence of my comforting, loving God.

For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.

Are you afraid of someone or something? Do you spend sleepless nights worrying about things which might not even happen? Is your outlook about the future bleak and hopeless? Don't be afraid; God is reaching out His hands to you. He will be with you to help you.

7 comments:

Robin Gunn said...

This is so touching, Marlene. Yes, yes, yes! He does hold our hand. What an awesome God He is.

Marlene Legaspi-Munar said...

Hi Robin! He really is a loving God! I still remember what you said about God carving our name in His palm. :) I'm melting now.

Mayette said...

Thanks Marlene! Miles and I are encouraged reading your blogs...Miles said she wants to write her own blogs.

I can relate with the old man in your story...moving slowly, in pain and needing the assistance of others.. I continue to ask God: "How long, Oh Lord?...until when are you going to heal me from this infirmity, or will I ever get restored completely?"

Thanks for being there for me...until now, I couldn't start--- to get back to writing..warm regards, dear

Diane said...

"Nakaukit sa aking palad ang iyong pangalan." There's something about hearing it in Tagalog that hits home, a mantra that echoes and reassures.

Nice post. Thanks for a much needed reminder.

Marlene Legaspi-Munar said...

Hi Mayette! I know God hasn't forgotten you. Even now I see you healed and enjoying your walk with God, literally and figuratively speaking. Please tell Miles I look forward to reading her blog. God bless you both!

Marlene Legaspi-Munar said...

Hi Diane! Yes, even decades after I first heard "Hindi Kita Malilimutan", I still remember that line. It's such a comforting thought!

Anonymous said...

We were in the living room with my father earlier and he was talking about how it's getting more and more difficult for him to walk normally now because his legs hurt,and are weak.He was diagnosed to have suffered a mild stroke a few months ago,the reason for the weaker right leg. He dreads the time he would be like the old man he meets in the neighborhood who walks in very very tiny steps also because of major stroke. We dread the thought too.Your blog reminds me of my father. He is 82,and his age is catching up on him. We love him. God loves him. God loves us. That's one reality I'm holding on to. Thanks Yah!