When you think about it, those appendages are kinda handy! It's hard to hold a sword without a thumb!

It reminds me of the war in Liberia (& Sierra Leone) where my son is now. Just like in the film, Blood Diamond, the soldiers would frequently chop off the hands or arms of their victims, asking them if they wanted "long sleeves" (cut off at wrists) or "short sleeves" (cut off at elbows). A person without arms cannot hold a gun or knife and fight back.

*shudders*

Well... on to another topic!

King Josiah provided from his own livestock 30,000 sheep and goats and 3,000 cows just for one Passover celebration. 2 Chron.35:7

The Egyptians made slaves out of the Israelites because they were afraid of them. Exodus 1:9-11

Abraham's servant gave Rebekah a nose ring and two bracelets before he asked her family if she could marry Isaac. Genesis 24:22

There's a nice precedent! Nose rings are OK. :) Sounds sort of like giving an engagement ring.

Yeah, so what do you do when your kids tell you it's Biblical?

Never had that problem. But... if its beautiful... its OK with me! :)

Thinking more about it, I would want them to realize that a beautiful soul creates a beautiful face. The most gorgous adornment is probably a quiet smile - such as that worn by La Gioconda.

When Jesus walked on the water, His disciples thought he was a ghost. Mark 6:49

Egyptians hated shepherds- Genesis 46:34