AUGUST 9, 2005
Dear Friends,
Two hundred years ago, the brilliant anatomist, Sir Charles Bell declared that surely God's favor had been shown man by the gift of a unique hand.
In 1833 he wrote, "the human hand is so beautifully formed, its actions are so powerful, so free and yet so delicate that there is no thought of its complexity as an instrument; we use it as we drawn our breath, unconsciously."
Tonight, my friend Barbara and I were talking about the unconscious use of the hand and how it figures in the work of REACH. Barbara stated, "This mother gently lays a hand on a child's arm, its touch relays thoughts of sorrow, hope, and always, comfort. Here, a hand tickles or tousles hair and creates for a child too often trapped by seriousness, a reason for laughter. In preparation for camp, hands fold in prayer, work hard to clean and sanitize rooms, stock cupboards with medical supplies and set up needed centers of care or play or worship; they cut, paste, type or gesture; hands are joyously and unconsciously 'getting it all done'."
Never we realize, does REACH work without the awareness of God's gracious hand extended to those who often are considered the most untouchable but often are rich in humanity, with hearts yearning to be affirmed, lives ready to respond to the human touch of encouragement and to the present hand of God in their times of need and in fear.
Sir Charles Bell was brilliant in understanding the physiology of the human hand; however, it may be that the greatest lesson about it comes from the writings of Winnie the Pooh.
"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind."
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.
"I just wanted to be sure of you."
In less than a month we will have our annual REACH camp, our family gathering; but tonight I admit that figuratively, I want to sidled up to you, to take your hand, needing "to be sure of you" as a member of the REACH family, as valuing the work done on behalf of our children in need.
Blessings my friends,
Susan K. Slonaker
Thank you for your gifts and for your support. Without you and your faithfulness, we wouldn't be able to serve those areas of great need, to extend family and truly bring good news to the isolated and lonely.