HANDS

There are hands you shake in greeting
There are those you like to hold
And expressive hands that need to move
When a story is being told.
There's tenderness in a mother's hands
As she holds her little ones tight
Or caresses a feverish forehead
From dusk til morning's light.
Older hands may be wrinkled
With lines that show the years
Of failures and successes
And drying countless tears.
Some hands hold impeccable skill
Like the ones with the surgeon's knife
Others possess great talent
Bringing art and music to life.

You can pat someone on the back
Or in approval clap your hands
You can hold the door or carry the load
Or help someone to stand.
You can lend an extra pair of hands
You can reach out to a brother
You can fold your hands in prayer
To lift up one another.
Willing hands, helping hands
Each serving where they can
Could be what makes the difference
In healing a broken land.

The hands of Jesus were pierced with nails
Just so I could live
Using them as my example
I'll use my hands to give.

~ Marci Jo Ferguson ~
2-22-2009