High Five

Hi everyone. I’m Sherry Douglas with Heart-Song. Recently I read a short article about the history of the HIGH FIVE on interestingfacts.com. It seems there are several theories about its origin, but after nearly 50 years of doing it, we don’t give it much thought.

I’m sure you remember the LOW FIVE, too. That started about 80 years ago as a sign of solidarity within the Black American culture. Then in the late 70’s, a University of Louisville basketball team stopped using the LOW FIVE and instead used the HIGH FIVE because they were known for “playing above the rim.”

We all know when we offer a HIGH FIVE or someone offers it to us, it’s done to celebrate with enthusiasm. Our culture understands when we HIGH FIVE, we’re sharing in a special moment with the other person. Americans like the gesture so much, we teach it to our babies – and dogs! There are also other stories around the HIGH FIVE. One is that in the 2020 Olympics, Japan banned it as a response to Covid.

The Bible doesn’t have anything specific to say about the HIGH FIVE, of course, but it does have a lot to say about ENTHUSIASM which is what the HIGH FIVE represents. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.” Whether we’re participating in a sporting event, working with our co-workers, or at home helping our child understand a new Math concept, Paul, the apostle of Jesus, reminds us not to do what we’re doing for the approval or applause of people. He reminds us to do everything we’re doing as if it is for the Lord. Let’s make today a HIGH FIVE day.

Live the way you want to be remembered. See you next time.