The Muscle Man

The Muscle Man

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

Psalm 9:1

My dad, Leon Moore Jr., was a train porter. His job was to assist passengers onto the train and handle their luggage, trunks, and boxes. As a result, in my daddy’s-girl eyes, he had the biggest, strongest muscles in the world! I would swell with pride when he lifted his arms, tightened his biceps, and allowed me to feel their concrete-like hardness.

One day Dad was startled to see me escorting a long line of kids toward him. “Daddy,” I said proudly, “my friends want to feel your muscles.”

Needless to say, he was taken aback by the request, but seeing the smile on my face, he dutifully allowed each child to feel his arm. Just as I expected, each one was in awe of his great strength.

After the kids had gone, Dad said, “I had no idea you were that proud of me.”

With much satisfaction, I replied, “When I told them how strong you are, they wanted to see for themselves. So I charged them a nickel each and told them to come and see.”

“You charged them?” he asked in amazement. “Are you actually saying you made those kids pay you?”

“Well, yes, Daddy,” I replied. “They wanted to feel it bad . . . really bad.”

To my chagrin, Daddy made me give all the nickels back.

I was just thinking, when was the last time I bragged on the power, strength, and greatness of our heavenly Father? Have I bragged about his muscle lately? I must tell others of his great strength—no nickel needed!

—Edith Moore-Parkman

Gracious Father, I will tell others of your power, strength, and love. Help me to be cognizant of each opportunity to freely tell the world of your greatness. Amen.