Southpaws

 by Macy Johnson

“Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred

chosen men who were left-handed,

each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.”

(Judges 20:16 NIV)

 

Amy, our church’s music director, was seated at the piano bench with me one night before choir rehearsal. We practiced a four-hand piano duet together. I suggested I turn a particular page, so she wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet in her music book with her left hand.

 

Later I became curious about those who prefer to write with their left hand. After Google research, I discovered approximately 8-10% of the world’s population is left-handed. Most are males. The term “Southpaw” emerged in the 1800’s to help describe left-handed baseball pitchers and first-basemen. It later was used to describe left-handed boxers.

 

Most left-handers are born in the months of March to July. I found this interesting, because two of my sisters who both celebrate March birthdays are left-handed. And my partner on the piano, our choir director, also has a birthday in March.

 

It is a God-given genetic trait to be a southpaw. Those who prefer to use their left hand struggle to live in a right-handed world. Yet, they tend to be more creative than us righties. That would explain the talents and resourcefulness I have witnessed in my siblings and Amy. I have also observed humble, caring, kind dispositions in each of these sweet sisters in Christ.

 

I am amazed at the ingenuity of our heavenly Father and the unique differences He has blessed us with for His purposes. Although relatively small beings in His universe, we are created to make a large impact for His glory.

 

I will celebrate those who are gifted with left-handedness and have been called to serve God in ways I cannot. I hope you will, too!