My Fingers Are Caught In The Door

Those of you who know my husband would never have thought him to be bashful. However, the story below will tell you otherwise.

There comes a time in a little boy's life when he learns that speaking up, no matter how bashful, is less painful than being quiet.

It was a hot, summer day when Little John was five years old. Back then, people walked more then they drove if the distance wasn't far.

"I'm going to the store so put those little cars away because you have to go with me."

So, Little John put away his little toys; took his mother's hand and off they went.

After getting the few things they needed, they headed back toward home, Mom with a sack of groceries in each arm and Little John carrying a little sack. They had gone a very short distance when a neighbor stopped,

"You all need a ride home? It's pretty hot out to be walking." Mr. Neighbor inquired.

"We'd appreciate that a lot," Little John's Mom said , "and you're right; it's just pretty hot."

Mr. Neighbor leaned over and opened the door of his Model A Ford and took the sacks of groceries Little John's mother was carrying. She got in and sat down, putting the sacks in her lap. Then John gave her his little sack and climbed up beside his mother.

"Okay, Son, slam that door shut," his mother said," so we can get on home."

Little John grabbed the door frame near the latch with his right hand. Then, leaning over, with his left hand, he slammed the door shut. What he failed to realize was the door would slam on his little fingers. That's exactly what happened.

Meanwhile, his Mom and Mr. Neighbor were carrying on a conversation.

" Hope you folks are doing okay in this hot weather." Said Mr. Neighbor.

"Oh, we're makin' it just fine. We're tryin' to get our chores done in the cool of the morning or late in the evenings", his Mom replied.

Poor Little John had been told not to interrupt adults when they were talking. And, he was so bashful and so ashamed that he had not thought to remove his right hand before slamming the door thus catching the fingers in the door. Oh, how that did hurt and tears came to his eyes. However, he thought that because it was only a short distance from the store to home, he could stand the pain until they got there. But, the closer they got toward home , the more his fingers hurt.

"Mom, I need to tell you something."

"What is it, Son?"

" Ah, my, my, my fingers are caught in this d-d-d-doooor", was his reply.

"Oh, my goodness, stop, stop, Mr. Neighbor. His fingers are caught in the door!!", his mother yelled.

Mr. Neighbor slammed on the brakes of that little Model A Ford and Little John's Mom leaned over and opened the door , releasing poor Little John's hand.

How many of us have ever been ashamed, humiliated or had a moment of discomfort or embarrassment? Little John was bashful but he was also ashamed that he had been foolish enough to slam the door on his fingers. He was a little mortified by his clumsiness.

How many of us are ashamed to say grace in a public restaurant? How many of us feel discomfort or embarrassment when asked to pray in public? How many of us are bashful enough or not confident enough to share the plan of salvation with someone? How it must break our Father's heart to know that we are ashamed of Him.

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38