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Smith Valley United Methodist Church

3 weeks ago

The Fear-Zone and God’s Space for Grace

“Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand, build
your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.” -Jennie Wilson

One of my fondest childhood memories was a downtown trip with my mother when I was about three or four years old. I do not recall what means of transportation was used to get us there, or what our primary reason for being there was. In fact, my only memory of that trip revolved around something so simple that it is a wonder why I remember this one thing so well after all these years: my mother’s right hand. On one particular trip downtown, she was wearing tight wool gloves, and I was wearing mittens. My mother was all business, and I recall that gloved hand reaching toward me beckoning me to take hold, and I did.

Downtown Indianapolis could be a frightening place for a waist-high little boy. I remember how noisy it was, and the bus exhaust fumes that made my eyes water—and the people! They were everywhere! I didn’t know where we were going, and I didn’t care, because I knew wherever it was I would be safe because I was with her. It seemed like I could feel every muscle in my mother’s hand keeping me safe. When we approached busy intersections or crowds of people I could feel her grip tighten and a slight pull towards her. When she seemed to ease her grip there was something she wanted to stop and look at, probably one of the many window displays of one of those big downtown Indianapolis stores; I don’t know what was so special, but I was glad to be there sharing it with her.

It is funny the images that pop into one’s head during uncertain times. Sometimes, I make a connection between the narrow path God has called me to navigate in ministry as well as life, and those days as a child holding onto my mother’s hand in downtown Indianapolis, I could faithfully walk with her and not care where we were going because I knew I would be safe.

I don’t have my mother’s hand any longer, but I do have the hand of God to reach for. In fact, we all do! Verse one from the Hymn titled: “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” by Jennie Wilson sort of sums it all up; “Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand, build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand.”

This sort of sounds simple doesn’t it? In a nutshell, life changes quickly and when it does, put your hope and trust in things eternal. She based this hymn on Psalm 89:13, where it reads: “Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.” Therefore, regardless of what might be going on, place your hand in God’s unchanging hand! When it feels like God is squeezing tight, He is keeping you safe, and pulling you to Himself; when it feels like God is loosening His grip, allow His peace and comfort to wash over you!

Blessings!
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