Outstretched hand reaching up to the sky.

White Knuckles

By Sister Vincent Marie, O.C.D.

“If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation”
2 Cor.5:17

Close your hands for a few seconds and check out your knuckles.  How does it feel? Does it hurt?  Can you do anything important without using your fingers?  To keep them closed for a lengthy amount of time ultimately becomes painful, does it? Just think it probably makes it impossible to lovingly caress the faces of those you love most, to live a normal life full of love, inner peace and joy.

On the spiritual level, if we let go of trying to control our lives and trust in the love God has for us, we become a new creation and we will regain peace, joy and happiness- if not we run the risk of losing self and those we love most. 

We live in a world of expectations, of production, social statis, etc. causing confusion on so many fronts, forgetting that God’s love for each of us is stronger even than death.  When we open our “white knuckles” and let God in the driver’s seat He is the one who can set us free-free of anxiety and replacing that inner turmoil with the calm and peace we all yearn for.  We all know this conceptually but need to open our hands and let Him re-fill us with peace, love and rest in our souls.  Only then will our hands be free to love as we were created for i.e.  to love God, family, friends and self.  So, let’s all check out our knuckles and open our hearts to LOVE.   

Jan 28, 2026 | Carmelite Spirituality, Featured, Reflections

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