HANDS DOWN

“For you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God." (1 Corinthians 3:23 (PHILLIPS)

She held up her wrinkled hand, palm outward, and with that inimitable smile, she wiggled her thumb before saying a word. Corrie ten Boom then moved her thumb inside her palm, “You are in Christ”. She folded her fingers around her thumb, tightly gripping it with her other hand, “and Christ is of God.” Continuing to smile she taught us of ownership.

1972, Greenville Christian Women’s Club, Corrie demonstrated to my young adult life what no other had. She was/is my hero! Her words influenced, encouraged, and challenged me to know who I am in Christ and Who He is to me.

My Christian life began at age six, but this special servant of God taught me during a severe depression that, “In the deepest pit, Jesus is there with you.” She introduced me in print to Amy Carmichael, (who also became one of my literary mentors). I read every book, watched her life in THE HIDING PLACE film and still revel in her spiritual knowledge.

Colossians 3:3 confirms the object lesson of the hand,

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

The next time your anxious heart despairs of life’s uncertainties, try this: Place your thumb into your hand, fold your fingers over thumb and grip with your other hand.

Abba, Father, thank You for placing me in the palm of Your mighty right hand…and keeping me there.