Stretch out your hand . . .
Stretch out your hand . . . belongs to the following groups:
Living ChristianityOne cold winter day, somewhere in the region of the Great Lakes, a man lost his way in a blinding snowstorm, a whiteout they call it in those parts. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but blowing snow. No landmarks. No roadways. No signs or trees. Nothing recognizable—except the freezing cold that was numbing his limbs and the escalating fear that was paralyzing his thoughts. When he couldn’t take another step, the man slumped down into the powdery drifts and waited—for death. He didn’t have the energy or the courage to move any further.
Right about then, a remarkable thing happened. A thought—very distinct and direct—popped into his mind. “Stretch out your hand.” Reflexively, the man obeyed the thought and touched something solid—a wall—and then, groping inch by inch, followed it until he felt a door, pushed against it, and rolled inside where he was miraculously enveloped by the warmth of the very place he’d despaired of ever finding!
Years have passed since the man’s experience in the storm. Today, he’s a priest, and he tells that story to his parishioners, especially during times of distress when faith is flimsy and hope is tattered.
“Stretch out your hand,” he encourages them, “and you’ll find something solid—SOMEONE solid, to hold onto. Don’t give up. Don’t just roll over and die. Stretch out your hand and the warmth of life will return to your numbed soul.”
I heard this little story some weeks ago at a noonday Mass. It was told by a priest who studied at the same school with the man of the whiteout. In retelling it, I hope it helps someone just about now. None of us knows precisely how the Lord will rescue us from our varied dilemmas, but one thing we do know. All He requires of us is a tiny mustard seed of faith, a little step in His direction, however faltering and weak it might be.
“Just stretch out your hand,” He urges us. The answer to our problems might be closer than we think.
Lord, when I’m tempted to quit, give me the courage and the strength to do whatever You ask of me—to whisper a little prayer, to take a tiny step, to offer that small measure of faith I still possess, trusting that You will do the rest.
photosbylefty
very powerful message Bonnie, thanks for sharing!!
Maria Dryfhout
I agree with John… full of power!
LindaMcCarthy
Wonderful story and a powerful, true message. Thanks for the reminder. :)
pat oubridge
This is a lovely tale Bonnie but this month in particular I am still full of WHY’s and cannot hear an answer. My 28 year old son died on 16th Oct. 2006, so please excuse me if I upset you my friend, but I am still full of grief and sadness
loramae
Thank you BB…you are beautiful to me…your sincere thoughtfulness of others…May God bless you :O)