Holding Hands

Holding hands is a sign of solidarity with each other, confirmation of good
relationships and love. Holding hands has also a sign of healing and bridging
differences. Last and not least,it is a cure for loneliness and can change the
world.

When I was between the ages of 5-12 years my grandparents became a bridge
across other communities. I used to accompany them to crusades and conferences
far away from home. The journey could take the whole day walking, at times
grandmother could hold my hands and at times could carry me on her back.

When I grew up I came to realize that my grandparents were good mentors in my
life. My grandmother died at the age of 110 years. Before she died I went to
visit her. She was partially blind but still she held my both hands and said
“Mary you are named after me please continue to be committed Christian and I
pray for you to live long to see your grandchildren”. I thank God that holding
of hands gave me peace and hope.

When I finished college I was employed by government of Kenya. In the year
1976 I was posted in a provincial office. I do not know what happened to the
provincial boss, he became interested with me. he invited me for tea and I
refused, his request became persistence and I felt bad and I told him that he
was an old man and reminded him that he was a married man. Consequently I was
harassed in the office, he could not appreciate my work instead he was looking
for faults. At the end of the year he wrote a confidential report saying I am
fairly good with my work. This annoyed me, I wrote to the Head of Department.
After several correspondences the Head of Department requested him to apologize
to me personally. I was later called into Provincial Bosses Office. He
apologize to me and later asked me to stand up, we held hands together. The
mental torture stopped. Healing and bridge differences was restored. I was
able to work without fear and this made me grow to a higher level. That
holding hands brought peace, unity, respect, healing. And good working
relationship through out my life.