Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Need A Hug?

I am a touchy, feely, kinda gal. I love hugs. Not "hang ons", but sweet, short, strong hugs. As a teacher, I get all kinds of hugs. There is nothing as precious as getting 5 to 50 hugs a day from little children. They give hugs freely, unconditionally, and without hestitation.

So, what happens to us as we get older? Do we not need hugs?

As an adult, I want to feel the arms of those who love me, embrace me. "Sweet, Short, Strong" But, as we get older, we get more and more inhibited. We guard our selves and our hearts from physical touch. But based on both scientific and spiritual evidence, TOUCH is necessary for human development (infants who are not held or touched often do not thrive), healing, and quality of life.
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From the world's perspective:

Christopher Uhl wrote  "Of all the human senses, touch is the social sense—the sense that most powerfully invites us into relationship with each other." 

Now, Isn't that why we were created in the first place? Didn't God create us to fellowship one with another? Love each other.

Touch is “our richest means of emotional expression” says Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. According to The New York Times, researchers found that:
"Students who received a supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher were nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class as those who did not, studies have found. A sympathetic touch from a doctor leaves people with the impression that the visit lasted twice as long, compared with estimates from people who were untouched. Research by Tiffany Field of the Touch Research Institute in Miami has found that a massage (touch) from a loved one can not only ease pain but also soothe depression and strengthen a relationship."


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From God's perspective- healing and/ or life were given through touch.


Matthew 8:3.......Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:15........He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him.

Matthew 9:20.....And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;


Matthew 9:21.....for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well."

Matthew 9:29.....Then He touched their eyes, saying, "It shall be done to you according to your faith."


Matthew 14:36.....and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.


Matthew 17:7.....And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid."

Matthew 20:34....Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.

Mark 1:41......Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

Mark 3:10...for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him.
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From my perspective, touch matters. Whether you are giving it or getting it, the benefits outweigh the cost.  So hug someone, give a pat on the back, embace a loved one...............your life and theirs will be all the better for it!



1 comment:

  1. People who are touchy when they converse with people manifest their sincerity.

    ReplyDelete