#tbt -- The Beauty of Praying Hands

(For this "throw back Thursday" -- another blog post from the past.  This was published on the Samaritan's Purse blog on October 28, 2008)

Isaiah 52:7 reminds us, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news," but I like to think that the hands of those who bring good news are beautiful as well.

All those hands help each box on its way--from the donor who wraps and fills it to the volunteer who ultimately hands it to the child God ordained to receive it.  And behind all these hands are the most important of all: hands folded in prayer.

I picture the hands of the child who receives the box, stroking the stuffed bear or feeling the warmth of a small hat.  My friend traveled to Burkina Faso and visited a boy who was given an Operation Christmas Child shoe box several years ago and treasures it so much he has used nothing in it but the toothpaste.  He keeps it beside his bed, amazed to know someone cared enough to pack it just for him.

And the chain continues.  In the hundreds of letters sent to our church from families that have received our boxes, many of them promise they're praying for us.

Prayer is the reason we've been able to pack 6,000 shoe boxes this year.  My mother asked if I'll stop packing now that we've reached our goal, and I immediately responded, "No--not as long as God gives us items to pack."

And He just keeps on giving.  Because a meeting ended early I recently made a spontaneous trip to a local discount store.  They had racks of merchandise outside and were having a 'sidewalk bag sale.'  No other shoppers were there, and I was able to stuff six huge bags with brand-name clothes.  As soon as I finished, they took the racks inside and ended the sale.

Because of that God-shaped window of opportunity, I got 640 gorgeous new pieces of clothing for 13 cents each.  He must want us to keep packing, and someone must be praying.

Only God knows how many of the miracles that sustain this project come as a result of the hands of people around the world we've never met--clasped in prayer.

How beautiful.