Author: Dr. Yvonne Huggins-Mclean
We are late and we apologize. It is never too late to take care of yourself. Enjoy!
YOU ARE THE BODY 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of CHRIST, and each one of you is a part of it. [New International translation] Discussion The 12th chapter of the first letter to the Corinthian church was authored by Paul, who describes himself as “called to be an apostle of JESUS CHRIST” and Sosthenes, who Paul describes as “our brother,” and who, in Acts 18:17, is described as “the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. See, 1 Corinthians 1:1. Throughout this letter, there is a frequent theme and appeal for unity. The “we are the body of CHRIST” scripture lends itself to the importance of CHRIST being able to use each of us for HIS good. This is how Teresa of Ávila put it: “Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.” You are GOD’s “hands and feet” in the world. Although there are a variety of gifts in the church (e.g., the ability to give wise advice, the gift to study and teach, the power to heal the sick, the power to prophesy and preach, the gift of tongues, the gift of getting others to work together, the gift of helping others, etc. (1 Cor. 12:8-31)), each member is part of “ONE BODY---The BODY OF CHRIST.” (See 1 Cor. 12:13) Each member is baptized into THE BODY by “ONE SPIRIT---THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (See 1 Cor. 12:13) Every member of THE BODY OF CHRIST is indispensable to the whole. HAND, FINGER, FOOT, and TOE EXERCISES So often when people exercise, they think of “big” muscle groups. Sometimes, the “little things,” like the hands or fingers or toe and feet get overlooked. Here are some stretch exercises for these small but important parts: HAND & FINGERS EXERCISES
Seat yourself on the floor with your back straight. Feel free to use a wall for support. Place your hands on each side of you with your palms toward the floor. Now gently press your palm into the floor. This stretch opens up the top of the wrist.
In a standing position, place your hands in a prayer position with your elbows touching each other. With your palms pressed together, slowly spread your elbows apart. Do this while slowly lowering your hands to waist height. Stop when your hands are in front of your belly button or you feel the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.
Finger Lift. Place your hand flat, palm down on a table or flat surface. Gentle lift one finger at a time of the table and lower it. You can also raise all the fingers and thumb at once and lower them. Repeat 8-12 times on each hand. This exercise increases your range of motion and flexibility on each hand.
FOOT & TOE EXERCISES
Toe Extensions – Sit in a straight chair with your bare feet on the ground. Place the left foot over the right thigh. Gently pull the toes toward the ankle as you stretch the bottom of the heel cord. Gently massaging the arch of the foot with your other hand will ease some of the tension. Hold for about 10 seconds and then release the toes. Repeat on the same toe stretch on the same side about 10 times. Switch feet and repeat the same stretching toe exercise.
Toe Raise, Point, and Curl- Sit in a straight chair with your bare feet on the ground. Keeping your toes on the ground raise your heels as high as you can until only the toes are on the grounds. Hold for about 3-5 seconds and lower. Now raise your heels up. As you lower your heel down point the toes straight ahead. Lower the toes then point the toes straight ahead again. Next curl the toes inward toward the arches of each foot as you raise your heels. Hold for 3-5 seconds and then lower until both feet are flat. Repeat from the beginning.
Achilles Stretch – Face a wall and raise your hands so they are resting flat against the wall. Place one foot backward, keeping your knee pointing straight ahead and bend the opposite leg. Place both heels on the floor. Gently push the hips forward until you feel a stretch in the Achilles heel and calf muscles. Hold for about 15-30 seconds, then relax and bring in the foot. Repeat on the other side. Repeat on each side about three times.
If any of these stretches cause pain, stop. If you have an injury, condition, balance problems or are concerned about doing any of these exercises, consult your own personal physician for exercises appropriate for you. See,
for more information about hand and finger exercises and https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320964#for-flexibility-and-mobility for more information and visuals for the foot and toe exercises.
YOU 1 Corinthians 12:27 says “you.” In other words, Paul and Sosthenes are being upfront and personal. Your walk, your eyes, your hands, your compassion, your feet, and your unity with other believers is how GOD will bless the world.
At times world disharmony, the vastness of human need, the depth of world suffering and despair may seem daunting. But Paul reminds us: “No eye has seen, no ear had heard, no mind has conceived what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM”. 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Trust GOD. Have faith.
Be THE BODY and BE BLESSED.