Blog 140: Greatness in a Handshake

  

By Vernon M. Herron

     Two gentlemen greeted this writer on last Sunday with a fervent handshake which impressed me greatly with a revealing message. 

     The first occurrence followed the 7:30 a.m. service at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. It was offered by the Rev. Mr. Clifford Jones, Jr., Pastor of the United Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, NC. He had just finished his sermon as guest minister. The Rev. Jones, Jr. went out of his way to approach this one who does not walk well. He greeted the early worshippers for the 9:30 a.m. service with a hearty and fervent handshake.  That gesture was noted because of its message and significance.

     As this early worshipper awaited the beginning of the second of three services, along came a second brother who approached me with another fervent handshake, saying, “Good morning, brother Herron. I am glad to see you. Have a blessed day.”

     That greeting came from one:

            – Who once served as a board member of The Comprehensive Genealogical Services.

            – Who once served as a Charlotte City Councilman.

            – Who is currently the Mayor of the City of Charlotte.

            – Who is President Obama’s nominee to be the next Secretary of

              Transportation.
Anthony Foxx is his name.

     (As this blog is being written, Mayor Foxx is appearing on TV in a Senate hearing  for confirmation in Washington, D.C.  What a coincidence!)

 

History of Handshaking

     Research defines handshake as the grasping of hands by two people, as in greeting or leave-taking. Archaeological ruins and ancient texts show that handshaking was practiced in ancient Greece as far back as the 5th century BC; a depiction of two soldiers shaking hands can be found on part of a 5th century BC funerary stele on display in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin and other funerary steles like the one of the 4th century BC which depicts Thraseas and his wife Euandria handshaking. The handshake is thought by some to have originated as a gesture of peace by demonstrating that the hand holds no weapon.

Today’s Meaning

     Both brothers greeted me with a handshake which was fraternal and spiritual. And what was the transmitted revealing message? That simple act spoke volumes about their humility and the value they place in people. That act said, “I am growing in service and position but I acknowledge you on my upward journey.”

      Peace.