September 4, 2021
WITH BOTH HANDS
Jessi Stitt
Volunteer, North Carolina
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:6
In the remarks of the head men and women I heard the phrase “manja a wiri” many times. It means with two hands or with both hands. It was often used as ‘we thank you with two hands’ or ‘we welcome you with both hands.’ It is such a beautiful image. We show appreciation by clapping with both hands. Or when we are overjoyed, we often clap.
In Malawian culture, you give and receive gifts and shake hands using both hands -- either together or with the left hand on the right forearm. It takes your full attention. It shows respect for the gift and the giver. We don’t do that. We are often multitasking, with our attention split, only paying partial attention to who or what is in front of us.
But here I am (was) in a village. The villagers did the hard manual labor for their well. The villagers will still have to walk and carry water to their homes. They don’t know me and yet they are welcoming me into their village with both hands. They are saying thank you with both hands, giving gifts that they can hardly afford to give. They look you in the eyes as they say thank you. Fully present and joyful and committed to their open giving and their new well.
It reminds me of a covenant made at summer camp. We agreed to giving at least three hugs a day. We went on to say that they had to be real hugs -- bear hugs. Not a one-arm shoulder squeeze but two arms around the other person. It puts you in the moment with the other person. They have your full attention for that moment.
So I am working at doing things with both hands. To thank people with two hands. To welcome people with both hands. To see people with both eyes. To be present and acknowledge others as children of God and worthy of full attention.
Application Question: What can you do with both hands extended?
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for this day. For the ability to reach out and to receive. Help us to be blessings to others and to share your love. Amen.
Looking for Easy Ways to Help?
Follow us on social media! Liking, commenting on, and sharing our posts helps increase our exposure so that new supporters will find us! Writing a quick, 5-star review on Google or recommending us on Facebook are also great ways to share our mission!
Visit Our Website ...
No comments:
Post a Comment