We seldom think about the importance of human touch. If we get enough, we tend to take it for granted. If we've never had enough, we don't know what we lack. Jesus included touch as a part of His ministry.
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man (a leper) (Matt. 8:3). He touched her hand. (Peter's mother-in-law in Matt. 8:15). He touched their eyes (2 blind men) and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matt. 9:29). Jesus came and touched them (Peter, James and John) (Matt. 17:7). Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man (an untouchable leper. (Mark 1:41). People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them (Mark 10:13). He touched the man's ear and healed him (The man whose ear Peter cut off) (Luke 22:51).
Would you be surprised to hear that research confirms that human touch is vital for healthy development? Premature babies who are touched and held are more likely to thrive; those who don't receive adequate human contact tend to be slower in developing and more likely to have physical and emotional problems. I know this to be the case from when my grandson was born prematurely weighing only 2 lb. 7 oz. When he was stable they allowed family to hold and rock him even with all the wires and tubes during his first three months of life in the Neonatal unit. He is now a healthy 14-year old who plays guitar in church, is active in sports and making rockets and baking projects for 4-H (and winning quite a few ribbons in the process).
I read an article that indicates research also shows fifteen minutes of daily gentle massage helps premature infants gain weight faster, enabling them to leave the hospital sooner than premature infants who do not receive touch. The massaged babies are more relaxed, active and alert. In fact, infants cry less than those not held. Their immune systems are enhanced and they handle stress more effectively.
An article mentioned that since many elder citizens live alone, the writer learned of the universal need for touch. She made it a practice to give her ninety-year old bed-bound grandmother as much physical contact as possible during her visits. She'd stroke her face, hold her hand, rub her with lotion and touch her in any way that seemed natural. She always seemed more settled in her spirit after this. I too practiced this with my ninety-seven year old mother in the nursing home in her final years. Since she was unable to hear, speak or respond cognitively, it was a blessing to see her relax and rub my hand in return.
Other researchers tell us that touching slows heart rates, lowers blood pressure, increases levels of serotonin (a brain chemical linked to the sense of well-being) and relaxes other bodily functions. It decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol which can boost immunity. But as a long-time widow, I know the feeling of love and well-being a hug gives me. Hugs from my friends make me sense the love of Jesus more deeply. I had an experience at a fellowship some years ago. It was my first time there, and while I knew some of the people, there were many I had not yet met. It has always been a challenge for me to reach out to someone I do not know, but I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to introduce myself to an obese rather unattractive lady. I did so, with a prayer on my heart for the Lord to allow His love to flow through me to her. She later told me in that hug she felt the love of Jesus through me. I never told her that was my prayer, but it truly confirmed in my heart what the Lord does when we love one another with a hug "from His heart".
Do you have a problem giving someone a hug because of unforgiveness toward them? I was reading a novel called "Homeward" by Melody Carlson on my Nook recently. The main character was deeply wounded by family members and had great difficulty forgiving. The Holy Spirit gave her an analogy that spoke deeply to me. I copied it down so I could remember it. Perhaps it will bless you as it did me.
Imagine you have a beautiful puzzle that is all put together, but is missing one piece. You are holding a puzzle piece in your hand, but it does not fit. No matter how you try, it just will not work. It's because you need to give that piece to someone else. It is the missing part of THEIR puzzle, and only when you let go of that piece can God hand you the missing piece to YOUR puzzle.
Perhaps a prayer of forgiveness and a hug can minister your forgiveness to another so that you in turn may receive the missing puzzle piece to obtain your wholeness. I pray healing hugs from your sisters in Christ may help you, and that the Lord will minister His grace of forgiveness so you can receive your own.
My love and prayers to all of you,
Dee
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