A Hold My Hand Theology Affirmation

I have long held a hold-my-hand kind of theology. The wording comes from, of course, that 90s Hootie and the Blowfish hit song of the same name.

I've got a hand for you.

I wanna run with you.

Hold my hand.

I'm gonna love you the best that I can.

I think that's who we are called to be as Christians. Willing to reach out a hand to one another, to journey with one another and to love one another the best that we can.

I got to watch a hold-my-hand moment IRL today as I was walking through Riverside Park on the way to move my car for street cleaning. There are several small playgrounds along the park, and being a middle-aged woman, I can afford to stop for a few beats and watch kids play without seeming too creepy.

Today I watched a tiny little girl--must have been two or three--sit at the top of the slide. Her mom was at the bottom encouraging her, but the girl looked skeptical. Then another little girl climbed up, sat next to her and took her hand. The two tackled the slide together. And I wish I could have captured the look of delight and triumph on both of their faces when they reached the bottom.

It is so much easier to be brave and bold when someone is willing to hold our hand. When we know we don't have to brave it alone.

May we be willing to offer a hand to those who need it most, and may there always be someone ready to hold our hands when fear threatens to keep us from becoming the people God calls us to be.