Holding my Father’s hand

One of my favorite childhood memories is going with my father to the Bazaar on Sunday afternoons. It was always alive—vendors selling seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, household goods, meat products, clothing, and countless other essentials. It was exciting to walk through the colorful stalls, browsing and exploring. We often had to park a mile or two away due to the incredible crowd. Bringing extra family members, especially children, was helpful, as we could each carry a few bags.

As enjoyable as those visits were, they were also nerve-racking for me as a child. With hundreds of shoppers and vendors everywhere, we were taught to hold our parents’ hands tightly. So I always held my father’s hand tightly. I remember one particular day, while weaving through the crowds, I became distracted by the vibrant displays around me. Being naturally observant, I was absorbed in everything I saw. Without realizing it, I let go of my father’s hand and grabbed someone else’s, continuing to walk. It wasn’t until I glanced at the stranger’s hand and clothing that I realized—it wasn’t my father.

Fear of losing father’s hand

In that moment, being so small in such a massive crowd felt overwhelming. Fear rushed through me; my heart pounded as my eyes frantically searched for my father. But as I dared to take just a few steps ahead, I found my father talking to a vendor on the side. I instantly ran to him and grabbed his hand again.

This happens often with children. When captivated by bright and exciting surroundings, they wander away from the very hands that protect them. Our world has so many distractions—so many things that lure and entice us—that we can easily lose sight of our source of safety and stability.

Comfort of holding Father’s hand

Even now, that memory makes me uneasy.  But I often reflect on it in the light of my walk with God and the protection I have in Him. In Isaiah 41:13, God says,

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

This verse reminds me that God takes the initiative to hold our hands to reassure His protection and presence around us. He guides us with strength, tenderness, and closeness, especially in moments of fear. Through these words, He comforts us with the promise that we are never alone, for His help is constant, no matter what we face.

Today, pause and ponder: whose hand are you holding? We enter this world held by our Heavenly Father, who seeks to guide us. But as we walk through this multiplied and dazzling world, we are often distracted by its commodities and colors. Sometimes we do not realize when we let go of His hand and reach for another. By the time we realize, we are already lost, confused, and afraid. Notice, in my childhood story, I was the one who wandered, but my father was always there. In our story as God’s children, we are the ones who drift away; yet He remains constant. He always extends His hand to lead us back to His Home. I pray that, as you ponder, you choose to hold God’s hand tightly, who is always there for you.