Friday, April 23, 2010

The Lesson of the Sprained Finger


On March 19, 2010, approximately 20 minutes after having arrived in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the weekend and while visiting the Hot Springs National Park, one of my shoes went flying through the air and I fell down some stairs. Apparently, my shoes were a little too slick on the bottom for the well worn stairs I had been down many times before. In my right hand was a camera which, thankfully, did not get dropped or banged. My left hand aimed downward in an attempt to catch myself. I immediately knew some type of damage had occurred, especially when the throbbing and swelling started. After waiting out the weekend, a local physician confirmed a case of a sprained finger. One sprained finger should not be so bad one may believe. Actually, I was amazed at how important one finger can be. The pain and stiffness, as it only bends so far, has affected how I perform routine tasks such as flossing my teeth, typing, shampooing my hair, cutting up meat, opening jars and packages, etc. I am grateful these functions, as well as the pain, have improved as of this date, but the stiffness and inflexibility remain.

When a part of the body is injured, one tends to think on the matter. Besides the obvious of refraining from wearing inappropriate shoes in certain situations, I also thought of how the Bible likens Christians as members of one body and we each have a part (Romans 12:4). 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 (NIV) reads: The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. . . (emphasis mine). I feel like this situation is a good reminder to me that the Lord does not play favorites and each one of us is important, no matter how feel about ourselves or how feeble our efforts seem. Paul stated in Romans 2:11 (NIV): For God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) reads: Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." How wonderful that is for us! I am thankful the Lord does not have his favorites. We, as His Creation, are all very important and loved, and there are not any inferior or second class creations among us. However, it is up to us how we live our lives and what we do with our God given potential.


This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/



14 comments:

  1. Good analogy! Thanks.

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  2. thanks for this today!

    Have a blessed weekend

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  3. Thank-you for the reminder to join together as one and to use what we have been given!

    So happy to participate today...love to meet you...stop by!

    Kelee @ http://www.katillacshack.com

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  4. An important message for us all! I broke a rib back in January and so I can certainly sympathize with you. The body of Christ, His Church, is a very powerful thing when we all work together as one. Thank you for sharing this.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. The same thing happened to me at Sea World in San Diego many years ago although thankfully I didn't sprain a finger. In that case my dignity suffered more than anything else. It is such a helpless feeling when you find yourself on the ground and wonder how it happened, although you know. Thank you for this reminder of how each member of the body is important. This is a very good example.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  6. ahhh,thank you so much for sharing this! I will pray for the continued healing of your finger. . .an important part of your body.
    Thank you again for sharing this story with us!

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  7. What an great reminder and an excellent illustration of these encouraging Bible verses. Thank you :)

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  8. I get small paper cuts all the time and I think to myself how could this be so painful.
    Thank-you for these scriptures and this analogy.I hope your finger is doing much better.
    Blessings,
    Giner

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  9. Hi Busy Single Mom!

    This is such a beautiful post! It is such a blessing to know God does not have favorites! I have to tell you (being new to blogland) that I have been seriously thinking about quitting the longer I anticipate due to finding all of the amazing, expensive homes out there and their lavish accessories ...why would anyone want to look at mine. Won't be anyone's "favorite." Not even sure why I got started...I know I have a humble home and also a shoestring budget and life. But this says it all....it doesn't matter! God loves me and He is my Provider...am I going to complain? :) No! ...and for some reason I feel His prompting to stay in....maybe due to making blog friends and encouraging one another... ??? Not sure, but I am encouraged by this sweet post and your blog.

    I also want to encourage you being a single mom...I don't know if you have read much of my blog but I was a single mom too (they are grown now)...tough job but God will see you through! :)

    Prayers and hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

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  10. oh....p.s. i hope your finger heals quickly...we don't realize how much a part of our body is used until it is handicapped! :) saying a little prayer for you now!

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  11. Hi Carolyn,

    Thank you so much for your generous comments! I have to say I was excited to find your blog as you are the first single woman I have come across! And, we have similiar interests. You have a beautiful blog and should not stop. I have an extremely humble home (and budget), but hopefully, will make up for it in other ways! Also, thank you for the encouragement as a single mom - I sure need it! Yes, the Lord provides and I'm glad you found this post encouraging.

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  12. How could I forget "On Assignment" (that I personally know) is single also. Find her at the blog "Just Keeping It Real"

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  13. I think it often takes an injury to appreciate the importance of any part of our body no matter how small. Hope it has recovered well now.

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