Throughout my younger years, Mom used her index finger to poke me many times. “Stand up straight,” she said as she pushed her finger into my back. “Say, you’re sorry!” she whispered as she poked me in the arm. “Lynn, say thank you,” was often accompanied by a body nudge somewhere to remind me.
Many of these little jabs occurred in the presence of others, each reminding me to “behave!” Even though my mom is no longer here today, I can still sense her urging me to stand tall, feel remorse, and express gratitude.
Nearly all of us have experienced a poke in the ribs from our parents to shape up and do better or else. That ‘else’ always was a scary place, and even though I visited many times, I didn’t desire to live there.
Now that my parents are not here to correct me, I must correct myself. Sometimes, I can take about a quarter of a teaspoon of criticism from others. I am not good at it, even when constructive criticism would be good for me. However, now and then, I accept it from someone who loves me, but it is still not easy to swallow.
I remember the day my great-grandmother, Mollie, pulled out the castor oil. The horror I heard about such medicine sent chills through my ailing body. Yet, she was heading toward me with the bottle and a spoon.
“This’ll cure you, young’un. Open wide!” I had nowhere to run but knew I was going to die. If the flu didn’t kill me, that stuff surely would. Before I could scream for Mama, the oil was down my throat, and I awaited my death.
Soon, I realized I was still alive and in her kitchen. I also noticed the castor oil wasn’t that bad. I learned the fear of the medicine caused my terror, not the oil.
I was so relieved I slumped in the chair as Mama entered the room. Unaware I had almost died, she poked me on the shoulders and said, “Lynn, sit up straight.”
Today, most of us need to be accountable for our actions with a holy poke in the ribs. We need to take stock of our hearts and our deeds. Are we too critical, judgmental, and hateful to those who may disagree with us?
Could we be wrong and unable to accept criticism, healing medicine, or defeat? Accepting criticism is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our willingness to learn and grow. It’s a crucial step in our journey of self-correction and personal growth.
We all know the Biblical story of the woman who was to be stoned for committing adultery. The crowd, who believed they were following the laws of Moses, roared to gain the approval of Jesus. But Jesus said to all, “Those of you without sin, cast the first stone.” (John 8:7)
Soon, one by one, the accusers walked away. Jesus had just executed a holy poke in the ribs of some self-righteous thinking souls.
It is probably a good idea to read that Bible verse every day. It is one that will nudge us to remember we are not God. We are sinful humans who err, don’t sit up straight, and fear castor oil more than the Holy poke.
I have often wondered if God punishes us for our sins. I thought, “Maybe in a way, even though He forgives.” He might not put us in a corner, but since He is my Father, He can and does correct me. And most of the time, it feels like the ‘else.’
It may take years, but when I see the ramifications of my sins, they sting like Mollie’s hickory switch. Those who love the Lord can always expect correction. It is used just like Mom’s finger to help us improve.
We are never too old, knowledgeable, or overly virtuous to avoid a divine nudge. Our inner souls always need to grow in compassion, kindness, mercy, and gratitude.
When we are unkind, belittle others, spread gossip, worship wealth or idols, become greedy or ego-inflated, expect a holy poke. But when we uphold truth, respect, humility, and honor, we find ourselves on the right path. These values guide our actions and decisions and are the true markers of our character.
I was always taught never to say anything if I couldn’t say something nice. We have become too accustomed to meanness in our speech and writing. Is publicly condemning and judging others while professing our love for God acceptable? If we think that won’t hurt us, we should remember that God is our Father, and we are still His children.
There isn’t one of us that couldn’t stand up straighter.
