Lincoln's Hand

Monday, December 7, 2020

The Emancipation Proclamation which would officially abolish slavery in the South was brought to Abraham Lincoln's desk on January 1, 1863. Lincoln picked up a pen, dipped it in ink, and unrolled the document. He was about to sign it, when he hesitated. He laid down his pen and did nothing for a few minutes. His hand was tired and he was afraid it may tremble as he signed the document, and that trembling would cause people to think that he hesitated in signing what would be the greatest act of his life. After resting his hand a few minutes, Lincoln again picked up his pen and wrote with a firm hand, "Abraham Lincoln." One of the secrets of living a life of greatness is not only doing what's right, but doing what's right with all your heart, without hesitation, without wavering. The Bible tells us to do all things wholeheartedly. Therefore, whatever you can't do with your whole heart - stop doing it. But, on the other hand, if something is right, then do it, with all your heart, without hesitation, without wavering, and, like Abraham Lincoln, with a very firm hand.

From Message #539 - The Power Of Being One