Balance through Stretching

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference – Mark 3:5

God is calling all of us to live holistically healthy, balanced and well-rounded lives. Our bodies were created in symmetry. Our brains have a left and right side. We have a left and right side of our bodies. Many of our external organs come in pairs: eyes, ears, nostrils, arms, legs, hands and feet. Some of our internal organs also come in pairs, such as our lungs and liver. Several parts of our body, including our mouths and chest, are large enough to divide into left and right sides. Regarding these, we obtain spiritual messages and principles from natural occurrences (I Corinthians 15:46).

The symmetry of our body is a clear message that God is calling for balance in our lives and our world. Too much of anything is not good for us, because when we are excessive in participating in any activity, we are out of balance. Eating and drinking too much of something is also an indication that we are out of alignment. Feeling like we can’t live without a particular person or substance is a warning sign to center ourselves again in the presence of God.

Stretching is important part of physical fitness. Before we begin any physical exercise, it is important for us to stretch. There are several benefits of stretching. Stretching improves our performance in physical activities. It also decreases our risk of injuries and help our joints move through their full range of motion. It also enables our muscles to work most effectively.

While in the temple, Jesus Christ saw a man who had a withered hand. One hand was whole and the other was experiencing a challenge. Jesus Christ encouraged the man to stretch forth the hand that was considered impaired. Jesus Christ brought attention to the man’s physical challenge so that he could release the shame that accompanied it.

As the man stretched, he was healed and his hand became was whole like the other. He was now in alignment and was able to live his life in balance. God is giving each of us the opportunity to stretch so that we too can be balanced in our health and in every other area of our lives.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.