Two weeks ago, aboard Bill and Gloria Gaither’s Farewell Alaska Cruise, I made my way to the concert on the final night of the final Alaska cruise. There is a spiral staircase that takes you directly to the backstage area. I learned about this stairway from Gordon Mote, as I fell in behind him and Bob a few nights prior and simply followed them directly to where I needed to go. (The blind leading the, ah, well, you know.)
I was almost at the bottom of the carpeted stairway when I decided to grab a tissue from my purse BEFORE I got to the bottom. I let go of the right rail when, suddenly, I was falling and twisting. I glimpsed the right rail and, while turning the opposite way, I summoned every ounce of strength in me to reach across myself and lunge at the right rail with my left hand. I grabbed it and, while it slowed my fall, it also fractured the humerus bone in my left arm.
The cruise line reps who helped me up asked what I wanted to do? Not knowing I had broken a bone, I told them I would gather my composure, then proceed to the stage for the program, which I did. About an hour into the program, I realized that my arm was hurting more than it probably should so I sneaked offstage and went to the ship’s ER where the x-ray revealed that I had a “perfect break” in the “perfect location” (oxymorons, in my opinion, but I was thankful it was a ‘best case’ break.) Treatment required only that I wear a sling until the bone healed itself, followed by physical therapy.
To date, I have seen three doctors who ordered three sets of x-rays, and I marvel at God’s healing provision. Four days after the injury, the doctor showed us how my body was already sending tissue, blood, etc, to the site of the fracture. That matter would calcify, closing the fracture, until, over time, that temporary, woven bone would be replaced by new, lamellar bone, restoring the humerus to its original strength.
Amazing.
‘Fearfully and wonderfully made’ is ongoing.
Every day, I sense that I am healing. That said, I do miss using my left hand and arm. Yesterday I slipped out of the sling and used both hands to open an envelope. IT WAS AMAZING. My hands worked together perfectly, synchronizing the automatic movements, making the task so easy. I literally stared at my hands, amazed at how they work so effortlessly, efficiently together; astounded at the planning and purpose which led God to design us with limbs that interact seamlessly, working toward a common purpose.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [Eph 4:11]
That was Christ’s desire for us: that each of us bring our gifts to work together, in harmony, synchronizing our labor with our brothers and sisters who also long to be His hands (and arms) extended. We have common purposes: to bring glory to God, to love each other, and to spread His love abroad.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. [Eph.4:9-12]
So, when you get to church in the morning, look around at your fellow worshippers and be reminded that you all share a common mission, orchestrated by Jesus, and they are your wingmen/women when you need them.
Because, trust me on this, two are definitely better than one!
Janet Paschal 
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