Neither my wife nor I grew up in Texas. Cowboy hats, boots, big belt buckles, and phrases like “all hat and no cattle” stood out to us when we first moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We joked about having more neighbors that were farm animals than who were human. One neighbor kept about 20 head of cattle, and many neighbors had horses. Another neighbor even had a very non-Texas emu roaming his lot.
Texas’ One Finger Wave
But the thing that stuck out to me most about Texas was the one finger wave. I’m not talking about the New York one finger wave, that’s not at all the same thing, and comes from an entirely different place. The Texas one finger wave is just a lift of the index finger, usually lifted from a steering wheel while driving or at a stop. Sometimes it’s accompanied with a slight head nod. It’s enough to signal that you have been seen, and that you are recognized as a human, even if a stranger.
At some point during our two decades of life here, I realized that this recognition of my presence and humanity was more than a casual greeting. Though minimal, it is a sign of grace. It is a very minor satisfaction of what we all crave-to be seen, to have our worth affirmed. When it is offered by a stranger, or someone not of my ethnic group, or during rush hour, it gains even more significance.
It doesn’t represent some secret sign of affiliation or identity. The only qualification to offer it or to receive it is to be human, made in the image of God, worthy of recognition. I am convinced that if Jesus had lived his earthly life in Texas instead of in Israel, he would’ve used the One Finger Wave.
Expressing grace to others
Even as I held the image of Jesus walking around Texas in boots and hat giving the one finger wave, I realized that this picture wasn’t just humorous or far-fetched. It wasn’t hard to substitute the silly picture of Jesus for a silly picture of myself. Twenty years here and I still don’t have the boots and hat thing going, but He has given me a way to express grace to others, through my fingertips.
I can recognize another’s presence, and affirm their worth, just by lifting a finger. It’s a part of God’s “ministry of reconciliation,” of his gracious outreach to fallen humanity. And it’s the part of His work that He has invited us to participate in. Proverbs tells us that “life and death is in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). The writer could also have said “life and death is in the power of the fingertips.”
So my question is, can you lift a finger for another?
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Oh wow, Scott, this is an awesome message!! I am born and raised in Texas and I have never thought about this gesture and what it means to someone not from this area. I have always heard that Texans are friendly and helpful but had never thought about the one finger wave. After reading your message I realize I have noticed this happen and it is exactly as you have spoken. Grace. You matter, you have been seen and somebody noticed you and paid attention to you. I am going to be watching to find this from now on and always think about Grace. God bless you for sharing today. Thanks Dr. Michelle for this special message!!
Dear Scott – Thank you for sharing this beautiful message of God’s Grace. I had never heard of the “One Finger Wave” in Texas and it is very special. We all want and need to be recognized. This is an example I will remember.
I live in Springfield, Oregon, close to Eugene. You rarely have people acknowledge you as you walk down the street. Even if I acknowledge them, most walk on by. I was born in Alabama but not raised there. I have been visiting and getting to know my Cousins the past 8 years. Almost everyone says “Good morning y’all” either on the street or in the stores. It is such a joy.
We have not met, Scott, but I pray for Michelle and your precious family much every day. The Lord has truly blessed my friendship with Michelle, even though she and I have never met. She encourages me everyday with her messages of Hope and God’s Word. Please give her my love and a warm hug.
Have a blessed in Jesus. Love n hugs to y’all.???❤️
Great writing and outstanding message, Scott. You and Michelle make an awesome ministry team. Prayers are continuely being lifted up for you two everyday. Write on!
Good Word Scott!
Good message Scott. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this great encouragement. I remember reading that even a simple smile to a stranger in a store could be a divine appointment where that smile is JUST what the person needed.
Montanans do the same thing ;). I’ve never thought about this as being part of the reconciliation process, but I think you’re on to something.
As a Native Texan and still here, I love this! ?