Ameliorate

Over the course of time, the evolution of technology and the vast knowledge we have acquired, man believes he has improved - not only his world and all the things in it, such as advanced technology, but himself as a human. Can we “outdo” our creator?

When it seems as if we communicate more, we really don’t. People are “wired” for balance but we are in “overload” mode with our reliance on conveniences, comforts and entire electronic systems. We thrive on service to our ambitions. One only has to view social media to show the evidence of our culture, yet self-esteem is at its lowest today. Undoubtably a paradox. Many suffer from depression, spiritual disconnect and trauma. Our human experience is suffering, which in itself is part of life and our human condition.

Perhaps we need to get rid of the “old growth” of our falling away from God; quit taking cues from our culture and grow our hands back.

The Handless Maiden is a fairy tale about a young woman who suffers. The story tells of a maiden whose father unknowingly trades her to the Devil, who demands her hands. When she loses her hands, she still maintains her spiritual purity. Through deception and hardship, she is forced again into exile, only to find safety, protection, and eventual regeneration in a forest refuge. Ultimately, her hands regrow through miraculous means, restoring her physical wholeness and symbolically marking her inner psychological rebirth. This tale explores innocence, betrayal, sacrifice, endurance, and the process of self-renewal. There are countless versions of the story, but it is about the redemption, restoration and revival in our lives.

The bible - a library of stained glass experiences - reveals countless characters like Leah who was traded for her sister Rachel, and led to the consummation tent by Laban, her father. She is powerless to object. Because of Laban’s actions, Leah is bound to Jacob who did not love her.

In Leah’s story, the progression of boy names represents her silver hands. Leah names the first boy Reuben, which means, “because the Lord has seen my affliction; for now my husband will love me” (Genesis 29:32). How cold are those silver hands of being wife and mother in title only! The second and third names highlight the same sentiment. But the fourth boy is different. The scriptures are silent about Leah’s spiritual journey but the handless maiden paradigm gives insight to the fourth naming. Leah reconciled her discontent. Judah’s name has nothing to do with her anger toward Jacob. On the contrary, Judah means “praise the Lord” (Genesis 29:35).

Leah did experience a relational change within her lifetime. This is evidenced by Genesis 49:31. Jacob, on his death bed, entrusts his burial to the cave called Machpelah “…there I buried Leah.” (Genesis 49:31)

We are in need of a change - a falling into the mind of Christ. Only in death can we stop pretending. We need to become new creatures - born again into His kingdom by repenting and accepting Jesus as our Savior. We suffer, are deceived and experience loss, but knowing Jesus is the answer to “growing our hands” back. We can ask for forgiveness and be born again - spiritually. Eternity is forever.