I Will Hold Your Hand

Last Sunday a dear friend, Frank Emanuel, drew his final breath and released his spirit into the Universe. I have spent a lot of time since then remembering. Then I read a post by Frank’s son that featured this picture of him holding his dad’s hand.

I was immediately struck by the powerful image. I began to recall the many times that Frank held the hand of others, physically and spiritually. I pictured all of the wonderful things that he created with his hands as he fashioned treasures from old pews. I thought about the journey that we have taken together over the last six years and how he has been by my side and part of my ministry.

I Will Hold Your Hand

Throughout the course of my ministry there have been countless times when I have said to someone

“I cannot change your journey but I will hold your hand and walk with you”

There is something amazing about knowing that your hand is firmly planted in the hand of another. As people, we are connected one to the other and we all seek companions on the way. When someone else stands beside us we are stronger, there is a sense of comfort, peace and belonging.

In our sacred story we find this image in passages like Isaiah 41:13

“I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand so do not be afraid. I am here to help you”

I Will Never Forget You

Then there is this poem by Maria Sudibyo, based on Isaiah 49 that comes to mind for me.

“ I will never forget you my people.
I have cared you in the palm of my hand.
I will never forget you. I will not leave you orphaned.
I will never forget my own”

When we walk beside someone, hold their hand through good and bad, through life and death we become the incarnation of the Divine. We are the vessels through whom the spirit moves and we know that we are not alone. Thanks be to God!

Blessings
Valerie

© 2017 Rev. Valerie Peyton Kingsbury. All rights reserved.