Through Many Hands
By Linda Smith Holder of Lytle, TX, USA
Sustain each other in peace, and ye shall be blessed with my Spirit, in comforting and strengthening you for my work. —Doctrine and Covenants 117:13
What does wholeness look like? To me life is a collage of color—every color including black. Assembling the collage happens throughout our lives—just as some of my drawings and writings reveal the stages of my healing. I don’t see it as a muted, smooth collage, but with jagged textures and full of living color.
Death is not the focus of my concern—life is. To take up the cause of life, to struggle every day, to accept the challenge of life is the final task. I struggle every day with raising kids, just having enough money to pay the bills, cancer, and staying in control when I want to scream at the world.
What a glorious time I have most days. I can walk outside and see the sunshine on the green leaves, hear the birds singing, smell the rain on fresh cut grass. Then there are the other days when veils prevent my healing; blocks I have placed within my physical being prevent me from coming into the presence of my Creator. Can I give all control over to my God who would heal me—if I would just accept it?
Do I let my physical limits hold me back? I hate to admit it, but yes, I do! I must gracefully accept the help of people around me. This is not easy for me, and I feel God must be smiling every time I manage to accept the help that comes through many hands.
Prayer for Peace
Healing God, thank you for the grace of those around me, who share Christ’s comfort and peace.
Spiritual Practice: Honoring the Worth of All Persons
Read Psalm 139:13–18. After reading, sit quietly and let the words sink deeply into your mind, heart, and body. What thoughts and feelings do you have about being “fearfully and wonderfully made”?
Sense the intimate knowledge and love God has for you and everyone. Be aware of the sacred worth of each person. Weep with God over the soul-wounding forces and events that rob people of dignity and worth. How does God invite you to notice, protect, heal, and affirm the spiritual identity of all God’s beloved people today? Pray for God’s compassion.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will graciously accept any help offered.
