Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo F. Buscaglia
A Hand Out Is Always Welcome
We had been praying at Prayer Warriors each week for a family friend of ours who was dealing with her terminal illness. When she was moved to a hospice facility it was just another facet of this thing called cancer that can be scary and sad. It can really make family and friends turn to God for help, for courage and some even hopefully pray for full remissions or miracles. I fell into all those groups.
God works in his own time, that I have learned through the years (soon to be 77 for me.) God has his own plan, his own schedule and all we can do is ask and be hopeful for His grace, forgiveness, patience and so on.
I, we, had prayed fervently for my family’s friend as she battled her cancer. Her sons stood vigil and cared for her through the days that passed. They were with her, along with family, when she passed away. I had prayed for all the wonderful things I hoped for, blessings of less pain, that the drugs would be effective, that she would find whatever peace she could, and then, as always I prayed for God’s will to be done.
That happened a few days ago at 3 A.M. as she slipped away.
That very next morning was our Prayer Warriors meeting at church. We have been an elder church for quite a while, looking for new members, new hope. The people who sat with me who had joined in prayer each week for our friend I had known for a long time. We are always given our portion of the list to pray for and today I asked specifically for the names that included this family friend. It was the least I could do, it was all I could do.
I thought I would be fine through my prayer for her, but when I got to her name, I wavered. My voice choked a bit, some tears streamed, but I managed to finish all my prayer for her and the others on my list.
But a wonderful thing happened when those tears started to slip silently down my cheek—from my left I felt a light touch, and then a hand was laid on mine to comfort me. It was a fellow warrior, a good and dear friend who had reached out to me. I felt strengthened and blessed. There is nothing like the touch of a hand, given freely and kindly to bring solace and understanding.
Think of all the tasks your hands perform each day—the jobs God intended them for: feeding your child, driving the car, cooking for your family, ministering to your loved ones, a myriad of tiny tasks are performed by our hands each day. Small children still clasp them as they repeat nighttime prayers. I often do the same myself. We shall continue through time to use our hands-- to congratulate, to reach out as we meet new people, to tend to our loved ones, to just simply show love. But we would all do well to mirror my friend and lightly touch someone who needs comforting. A “handout” is defined as “something that's given to a person in need.” There’s nothing like a personal touch when it is needed most. Thanks, Marcia.
“The human touch is that little snippet of physical affection that brings a bit of comfort, support, and kindness. It doesn’t take much from the one who gives it, but can make a huge difference in the one who receives it.”
― Mya Robarts