This man was acting erratic and strange. The easiest thing would have been to ignore him. That was what most did. No one wanted to upset him or deal with a negative reaction. But one woman realized that he was in pain. He was hurting. And his lashing out was a result of his struggles. So without saying a word, she reached out her hand. And she held his. They sat in silence, but silence that was filled with compassion, love, empathy and friendship.
King Solomon, known as the wisest of all men, had a name that means “peace.” But he was called by another name as well, Yedidya, which has within it the words “yad yad” which is the Hebrew word for “hand” twice. The message is that true friendship is being able to extend a hand, and being hand in hand. When I hold your hand, I am both giving and receiving. I am there for you and you are there for me. We both support and are supported simultaneously. And when we know we are not alone, that is when we feel peace. And often, all it takes is that extended hand, that gentle reminder of our intrinsic connection to one another, to bring back both inner and outer calm.
Picture taken by Ehab Taha
