I have had several single women of varying ages live in my home over the years...
One day I clearly heard a word from the Lord regarding one of my single housemates who was acting strangely distant....The Lord said to me...."she needs human touch" ... that seemed weird....but it was clear...so that evening I took the opportunity when we were cleaning the kitchen to take a moment, give her a quick a hug and tell her how much I appreciated her help....
I once had a little girl who was growing distant from me....she was non responsive to bedtime kisses and rarely needed a hug.....she was growing farther and farther from me and she was still very young....
So every night at bedtime I began a campaign of human contact...snuggling her, kissing and hugging her and such......she became a warm cuddly sweet little girl who loved her mommy's attention...as it should be....
My husband and I don't always see eye to eye....;) and its sometimes difficult for us to come to a compromise or even an understanding between us...but I have found that laying a hand on his arm especially during and argument can be a powerful message...it conveys, warmth...it says we may not be in agreement but I love you...it says so much...
over the years I have felt this time and again....that a particular person needed human contact, a kiss on the cheek, a squeeze of the hand....an understanding hug,
In all these instances the common denominator is touch...and the tidbit is this...
....never underestimate the power of touch....
We have the power to be Jesus with skin on...right in our own hands.
8 comments:
Powerful words! So true....
I agree completely. Reading just today about the power of touch for kids in orphanages and foster care. Sometimes those who reject physical contact need it most.
What a great post Cheryl! I am a somewhat 'touchy/feely' kind of person and often wonder if I'm touching people too often. However, for me there's just nothing more comforting than a hug, a gentle kiss on the cheek, a light hand on a shoulder or arm. Jerry recently told me that one of the things he enjoys most about me is that I can't be within reach of him without touching his arm, scratching his shoulders as I walk past him or even a quick kiss on his cheek or a gentle run of my fingers through his hair. He says it's something no other woman in his life has ever done and that it makes him feel so loved and appreciated. Amazing what one gentle touch can say!
The power of human touch has been proven in scientific studies...we need it to function and thrive.
I know that when a stranger will just pat my hand when telling me something, it's like a special contact has been made, a gesture that says, I care.
So glad you were able to touch the very heart of these people you write about! I'm going to lay hands on Hal when we disagree! LOL!
I love this post. It is so precious, and makes my heart ache for those people in my life who need a hug or a touch. Makes me want to run to them and touch them right this very moment. What a powerful gift we have been given. Thank you, Cheryl, for your nugget of divine wisdom.
I say Amen to your gentle touch and kiss wisdom. There are so many things I cannot do, but give and receive a hug from the bottom of my heart, that I still can do with joy. In giving, I find I'm also receiving even more than I give. To share what little I have, makes me feel blessed and rich.
At the dentist, often the assistant will just pat my shoulder while I'm getting 'THE' shot. The doctor takes his time massaging the gum and I usually need two or three shots .. which don't seem as bad from the shoulder pats.
Can you just imagine poor children that are neglected or orphaned and have no human touch? How very much needed.
What an awesome message Cheryl.
dear jada gigi...in the golden family there were not many hugs..i don't think that i really learned how to appreciate hugs and give them was not until i met my sisters....you know they were always sending email hugs, especially that generous lady di of ours!..ha!
and then when i met the sisters at miss patty's michigan home, well that was just awesome, all of those hugs flying around and you recognized me jada gigi and what a hug that was!..last year,in new york at donna.s home never in my wildest imaginations did i ever think the first hug i got when we arrived was from that sweet little girl from the philippines who ran right into my arms and hugged me!
i really believe it that what you said is true that the human touch is so needed....after all didn't the lord jesus himself do a whole lot of touching?
oh won't it be so glorious jada gigi when all the sisters who we have not meant on earth will be giving hugs....of course you all know that the first sister i grab will be my felisol!...
great post jada gigi,,,i love you! HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love terry
mrs. mac, your comment reminds me of the story i heard one time of some nuns who were missionaries and some of the nuns only job was to hold and touch the babies who had no one to love them....they would tenderly caress them and gently talk to them pretty near all the time...it was amazing that some time later, the babies were responding and even their hair was growing!...so amazing what a loving touch will do...just so amazing!
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