If you’ve had any exposure to evangelicalism, you’ve probably seen people raising their hands or waving their hands in the air while they sing songs.  A few people at our church do that, but most do not.  So, what’s going on with that?In the ancient Near East one could “lift one’s hand(s)” to swear an oath (Gen. 14.22; Deut. 32.40) or to take action either for or against someone (2 Sam. 20.21; 1 K...  Read More

My granddaughter Lucy recently learned to wink.  She shows everyone her new skill and everyone winks back at her.  It gives everyone a chuckle.But depending where you are (and “when” you are) and depending on who is winking and who is being winked at, winking can carry very different meanings.We wink to indicate that there was irony, teasing, or an inside joke.  Winking can also be flirtatious wit...  Read More