Ever wonder how our body stays neatly contained within the confines of our cells and organs? Well, you can thank Laminins for that little piece of biological magic!

Laminins are large molecular weight glycoproteins constituted by the assembly of three disulfide-linked polypeptides, the α, β and γ chains. The human genome encodes 11 genetically distinct laminin chains. Structurally, laminin chains differ by the number, size and organization of a few constitutive domains, endowing the various members of the laminin family with common and unique important functions. In particular, laminins are indispensable building blocks for cellular networks physically bridging the intracellular and extracellular compartments and relaying signals critical for cellular behavior, and for extracellular polymers determining the architecture and the physiology of basement membranes.

Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices holding cells and tissues together, a property largely due to their content in laminins.

In short, laminims are what scientists refer to as "adhesion" molecules. They are the molecular glue which hold our very beings together. 

Belts. They are such useful accessories! A properly fitted belt will hold up your trousers, keep your shirt (and maybe even your uncomely parts) safely tucked in, and do it all largely imperceptably. 

But an improperly fitted belt. Well, that's a different story. Too loose, and we're tugging up our pants all day long. Too tight, and we feel constricted and uncomfortable, and can't wait to get home and unbuckle it.

Anyone who's ever had a new puppy knows that sound of tiny paw pads following around behind you everywhere you go. You learn to instinctinctively look all around at your feet before taking a step, lest you trample the poor pup underfoot. Little puppies faithfulfully, playfully, and expectantly follow their humans around everywhere they go.

This image of the playful puppy serves as the perfect illustration of the promise of the Psalmist, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life ..."

Or does it?!

As one Bible student, Elizabeth Petrone Wheeler, has so aptly expressed:

What an inappropriate translation for Psalm 23!  The [Hebrew] word for 'follow' is the same word used [concerning] Pharaoh's actions ... after he had let the Israelites leave.  Did Pharaoh 'follow' them? No, he pursued them; he wanted them back!  The same word is used when Saul was looking for David. Was Saul 'following' David? No, he hunted him down!  This word is used many times when a person or group is chasing after another, even for revenge or destruction, and it is never translated as 'follow' except in Psalm 23. 

Perhaps the translators were trying to soften or cast new light on the meaning of a word so typically used in a negative context. Or perhaps they just don't appreciate the full force of the word. The Hebrew word translated 'follow' here in Psalm 23:6 literally means to persue or chase. See Strong's rendering, 7291.