Holding Hands
I wrote “Holding Hands” almost a year ago but it just published today. It’s been a reality I’ve been conscious of and seeking the Lord about for several years, but it seems much more front of mind now than before. I want to be a woman who is keenly aware of and appreciative of people’s uniqueness and value, and shaped by our differences instead of trying to be blind to them. God has made us with such diversity, pointing to His vast creativity and beauty. I think young children can be our very best teachers in this.
Holding Hands
by Elizabeth Rhyno
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. (Gal. 3:26)
The two looked shyly at each other. But even in their silence it was clear they were learning. They sized each other up, slowly taking it all in. In the bustle of the airport, it seemed as though time stopped for the little pair.
Dad crouched between them and slowly spoke their names, introducing the new brothers to each other for the first time. This was a holy ground moment for this now-expanded family. One after the other, each boy climbed up on their dad’s knees, directly facing each other, and he noticed a shy smile crawl across both faces. Such a contrast in color and clothing, yet already such a similarity in disposition. When black and white fingers slowly intertwined, Dad breathed a prayer of gratitude for the grace of God.
Our faith in Jesus ushers us into a new family, one made of people from every background, color, and language. When we die to ourselves and lean into God’s mercy we are buried in Jesus’ death and raised up with him to new life. And we immediately receive a welcome as God’s sons and daughters. What is it like to receive this family inheritance fully? Perhaps it starts with a childlike willingness to intertwine fingers with a brother or sister who is strikingly different than us. Maybe being clothed with Jesus means fully embracing our brand-new siblings.
Walk like Jesus, openly receiving people and valuing all they are.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife, mom, and pastor of relational arts at Waterline [Wesleyan] Church. Elizabeth chooses to pursue the Lord and lean into his heart for community.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House.
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