Call to Arms

Ever realize how much is communicated through 'arm language'?  And, as an extension, 'hand language'?  Malcolm & I were watching a movie recently where, as a couple pretending to be a 'couple' were walking through a party, the man gently placed his hand and forearm on the small of the lady's back.  For me, this is a intimate gesture.  He was guiding her, making of statement of 'she's with me', protecting her as they walked through the crowd.  My initial thought was warm & fuzzy.  I then recalled a different movie seen years ago where the same image was portrayed, but we learn that the man in that story was extremely controlling, possessive, abusive.  Same gesture, different emotions.  Both powerful for the women on the receiving end.

a hand raised to give a high five     versus     a hand raised to slap a face

arms outstretched in praise     versus     arms outstretched in exasperation

hands covering a face of happy surprise     versus     hands covering a face full of grief

a caress     versus     a punch

Many more can be named.  Many images come to mind.  All personal, as past experience plays across our minds & dictate our initial emotional response.  What kind of power have arms displayed to you?  What kind of power have your arms displayed?

Just as the words we speak convey different meanings depending on our tone of voice, so actions of arms have multiple meanings.  I must think about what I'm wanting to 'say' through my arm/hand movements.  What kind of power do I want to display?  What kind of emotion do I want to evoke to the receiver?

May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, AND THE MOVEMENT OF MY ARMS, be pleasing to my Rock and my Redeemer.  May they encourage and not belittle.  May they guide and not control.  May they include and not possess.  May they protect and not abuse.  Same gestures, different emotions.  Both powerful for the ones on the receiving end.