Holding My Head High

Scripture: Exodus 14: 19-31

Exodus 14: 29–“But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.”

I love that in the midst of a miracle, the Israelites walked.  After having endured slavery, plagues, an arduous journey through the wilderness, and the onslaught of Pharoah’s army after them, they moved with resiliency and dignity through the parted waters.  They didn’t scurry and run like a people afraid.  Nor did they stand still any longer, and gape at the wondrous wall of water.  They walked.

I imagine their gait to have purpose and strength.  The Israelites walked with confidence, for they now knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that their God was with them.  They knew that they were beloved.  They knew their lives really did matter.  So they walked, with a steady gaze and their heads held high, spines steady and straight.

The resiliency of the Israelites speaks to us today, particularly to those who have endured much of late through the power of water.  People of Houston and of Florida, of Mexico and of Caribbean islands have moved with resiliency and strength.  With much of their former material life ruined, they have nonetheless found the grit to hold their heads high, and vow to start over. The survivors of hurricanes are walking with heads high, spines straight.

Those of us who haven’t been as affected have the opportunity to be God’s love to them.  Through our acts of generosity and kindness, we show that their lives matter to God and to us.  We walk with them.

If you would like to hold your head high by helping someone else to do the same, you may go to our church’s website:  www. myersparkumc.org .  There you will find ways to give financially, and also learn information on how to serve on a team.

Yoga

The yoga class today will focus on the upper spine to help us to walk with strength and steadiness.  This practice will help us to hold our spine erect and our heads high, so that we might embody this resiliency in a world that needs it.

Virabhadrasana I (warrior 1)–Root the right foot into the earth, and the left foot ground down, especially with the outer edge of the foot.  From this strong and steady foundation rise up with the arms.  With the inhale bring the ribs back toward the spine.  Exhale and lift the crown of the head high. Lift the collarbones up, curl the shoulder blades onto the back, and rise up high.  Keep your head high!