“How Far Does Your Hand Reach?”

I believe that a helping hand can make a difference in one’s life, not only your own but those around you. When I was little my Grandma wrote a song about all of us grandchildren to which there were many. She gave each of us a name or verse in the song. My brother was faith to fly like an eagle, another was a “twinkle in one’s eye”, “friendship true”, but when it came to me my grandma would sing “helping hand” and I have never let that go. When I was young I was known as the helping hand, the first to clear the table, or any need that may be done. As I have grown I have brought it to a new level. Though I still clean the table off, I find that I can use my helping hand to touch the hearts of those around me.

I am a religious person and take my faith to my heart. I love those who attend my church and when one loses their way it breaks my heart. A few years ago a friend of mine, one that I had known since childhood slowly stopped coming to church. She also stopped returning phone calls and texts from those of us who were wondering where she had gone. We spoke to her parents and realized that she was struggling with her faith and didn’t know what she should do. So after many failed attempts I realized maybe she needed her space and decided to end with one last text. It read: “Let’s meet for lunch and catch up! Love you!” I got a reply seconds later. After that I slowly moved from topics of school and clothes to church. From then on we began more serious and meaningful discussions. Although she still has not fully come back, she is making progress, and she often tells me that one text and lunch changed her life. It was self-defense in her perspective to not answer those texts that would lead to questions and judgments, and it took power to answer mine.

A helping hand can mean many things from clearing off the table or a simple text. It does not need to be a grand gesture as long as it comes from your heart. It is a part of the listening process. For me it was about understanding that she needed space and guidance at the same time. If we don’t speak and act from the goodness in our hearts, than what life are we leading?