Every time it happened, I felt welcome, warmth, acceptance, community! It was simple yet profound. It was simply a handshake. 

“James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.” Galatians 2:9

Whether it was walking into a meeting room full of people, being introduced to someone for the first time, or seeing a dear friend, the expectation was clear. A handshake was the proper way to greet. And I loved it! 

It didn’t take long for me to adopt this friendly habit, learned from my friends in Kenya. After years of greeting people this way, I inadvertently brought it with me when I returned to my passport country. 

At a prayer meeting at church, I walked in and automatically greeted each person in the room with a handshake. People seemed confused and unsure about what to do. Most looked at me uncomfortably and quickly shook my hand. 

I stopped by my sister-in-law’s house. She opened the door and I reached out to greet her the way I had enthusiastically greeted friends, family, and strangers in Africa. She stood there awkwardly, hesitated, then invited me in.

I saw a friend at the grocery store, and instinctively offered my hand. She kind of waved and smiled uncomfortably.  

I soon realized that I’d have to revert back to the cultural greetings of my passport country. I miss the handshake but now give and receive that same welcome, warmth, acceptance, and community with a sincere smile.