My Very Prop

“By faith Jacob worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.” —Hebrews 11:21 

There’s an antique umbrella rack in the entrance to our home in which we keep the canes and walking–sticks of several generations. One of my favorites is a slender staff with a gold–plated knob, engraved with the initials “DHR.” It belonged to Carolyn’s great–grandfather, Daniel Henry Rankin, whose initials, curiously, are mine. 

My study houses another collection: an intricately carved walking stick, hand-crafted by a friend, a shepherd’s crook from Israel, my father's peeled, apple–wood staff and his blackthorn shillelagh among others. 

Out in the garage there's a barrel filled with a collection of snowshoe and cross-country ski poles, wading wands and trekking sticks that I’ve gathered through the years. Now I've traded up to a bright-red “Nitro” walker. This is now “the staff of my age, my very prop" (Shakespeare), a daily reminder of my need to lean on God and his faithfulness. He has supported me in the past with his right hand; he is guiding me this day with his counsel; and “afterward he will receive me into glory” (Psalm 73:23,24). "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." Who can ask for anything more?

Like old Jacob I too worship, “leaning on the top of my staff.” I’ve become rather fond of my prop. It reminds me every day that we all need Someone to lean on. 

David Roper
3.20.22