The Touch of Your Hand

I dare not ask your very all: I only ask a part. Bring me, when dancers leave the hall, Your aching heart. Give other friends your lighted face, The laughter of the years: I come to crave a greater grace: Bring me your tears!

The world hungers for love, sympathy, and understanding,
and if there has ever been a time in history for these characteristics,
it is now.

One day a young minister got off a train in Cleveland and saw a blind, crippled soldier, carrying a heave suitcase. He immediately offered to carry the suitcase, but the soldier wouldn't let him.

"Then may I guide you up the stairs to the station?" Asked the minister.

"Yes, if you will," replied the soldier.

When they got to the top of the stairs the minister said, "Now, where do you want to go?"

"To the information desk, please," he replied.

The young preacher took a firm and rather possessive hold on the soldier's arm. Much to his surprise the blind, crippled war hero jerked his arm away and said abruptly: "Don't take possession of me, pal, and don't shove me. All I want is just the touch of your hand on my shoulder."


There are plenty of people in this troubled world who need help, but they don't want to be considered helpless. They don't want to be babied. All they want is just a touch of your hand on their shoulders and to know that you understand.

James P. Wesberry
(Meditations for Happy Christians)
images courtesy of All Posters

Mimi