Hand in Hand

Earlier this year, I flew across the country to visit our son and his family. While there, I reached out to my brother Mark and his wife, whom I hadn’t seen in a couple of years, and we all made plans to have dinner together. We had a great meal and caught up on life and family. We really enjoyed each other’s company.

As we walked along Seattle’s waterfront to Mark and Lisa’s departing ferry, Mark took my hand. Though unexpected at this stage in our lives, the gesture prompted a flood of emotions.

Shortly after Mark and I became siblings, I held his hand regularly. At age twelve, I was responsible for my six-year-old brother’s safe transition from our parochial school entrance to the bus that would take the kindergartners to our downtown church where they met for class. Having recently been adopted from a South Korean orphanage, Mark was facing significant change, compounded by language barriers and fear. Getting on the kindergarten bus wasn’t easy, so big sis held his hand until he safely boarded. We developed a sibling bond that I cherish to this day, and our recent hand-holding experience reminded me of this.

Mark’s arrival and welcoming into our family. 1976

Remembering that childhood bond and enjoying our hand-in-hand walk that evening made me realize something else. Because of some differing social and political views, I tend to avoid certain conversations, yet still quickly form impressions based on social media posts or brief communications. However, spending time together in person—listening, sharing a meal, and simply walking side by side—gave me a fuller, more accurate understanding of my sibling’s and sister-in-law’s character and heart.

The experience mirrored an important spiritual truth. Many people form their understanding of God through secondhand opinions or fragmented messages. For some, childhood memories about God have faded. But a true relationship is formed when we intentionally spend time with Him-listening to the teaching of Scripture, studying the Bible, and gathering with others in faith. Through Jesus Christ, we have full, unencumbered access to God and an invitation for a personal and everlasting relationship. (Hebrews 4:16)

Just as walking hand-in-hand with my brother renewed my understanding of who he is and what he values, walking hand-in-hand with God deepens our understanding of His nature, sacrifice, and will for all of creation. Both experiences leave me wanting more.