Reach Out and Touch
Touch is one of our seven senses given to us by God.
Babies have a need for touch that is essential for proper growth and development.
Studies done in hospitals and orphanages demonstrate that infants lose weight and become ill without touch.
Many people didn’t grow up in families where touch was the norm. Or maybe it was used inappropriately. So as adults, many people don’t like to be touched.
But I remember something my pastor said in church one Sunday as he asked us to greet those sitting nearby. An elderly woman told him that the only time she is touched all week is when she comes to church on Sunday. The shaking of hands was so important to her.
That caused me to pause and wonder how many lonely people may be sitting in church alone? Has anyone reached out a hand to shake or simply to help one from slipping and falling? It’s such a simple gesture and yet it could mean so much to a lonely person.
It’s easy to go about your day in a hurry and not notice the person sitting alone. I enjoy sitting with friends in church and it’s a time to catch up and chat before the service.
But then I remember the first time I came to church after years away. I sat alone and in the back.
There were two ladies who noticed me and introduced themselves as “Frost” and “Snow”. I had to laugh as that was their last names. I surely couldn’t forget that. They shook my hand and let me know how glad they were to meet me.
The next week they were looking for me! They came right over and shook my hand again and …even remembered my name.
I want to challenge you this week.
When you go to church on Sunday, look out at the people sitting in the pews. Find someone who is sitting alone and walk over to them. Introduce yourself and shake their hand. Remember their name and look for them the following week.
1 John 4:21 says “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Why not reach out and touch someone in the name of Jesus?
Blessings and love,
Amen, and Amen….the power of touch…even as a wife I see how the power of touch from my husband can just smooth out the day! There was a story of a person who just stood on the corner to give out hugs and people lined up…oh, that we would learn to be His Hands and His Feet…thanks for the challenge…I am listening!!!!
Janette
What a great reminder of the importance of a kind word and a sweet touch – esp. at church!
Sometimes I just stand in the lobby at my church and look for some older sisters to hug. (We live in the deep south, and we are huggers!)
I’ve noticed that as I began to hug a few ladies, a “line” sort of forms. I start passing out hugs to ladies of all ages.
Thanks for the great post!
Blessings,
Melanie
As an operating room nurse, I have personally experienced the power of the healing touch. In the 31 years I have been working as a nurse, every one of my patients have “gone to sleep” with me holding their hand, or a hand on their shoulder, or a soft stroke on their arm. It is healing and claming for us both!
How cool is that? The word verification was “Hope.”
Thank you for this very important reminder. Even to offer a smile, or a kind word. People need this!
Love this Debbie! I’ve learned that even a gentle touch upon someone’s arm or shoulder (without invading their personal space of course) can minister comfort and assurance. And isn’t that what Jesus is all about…..ministering peace, sweet relief and calm to a broken world!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
Great reminder, Debbie! I wasn’t lacking from positive touch growing up, however, I’ve noticed that recently my mother seems to enjoy it more than usual when I hug her or put my arm through her arm when we are at church (or anytime). My father does, too. I think it is that connection with others, the warm hand, the smile and the friendly word that is a wonderful way to show love. Thanks for challenging us to reach out to those we see sitting alone. Let’s be Christ’s hands.
I hug on my husband and children as much as possible. It makes such a difference in our day! And I usually hug friends when saying hello and good-bye. We all need that…I totally agree. ?
This is beautiful.
Debbie,
I loved reading this tonight. Touch is so powerful and thank you for this challenge. I have been thinking of what I will write about next week and was thinking of a challenge also! Today at the pantry one of the elderly ladies stopped me as she was getting her groceries. Many of them tell me thank you but this one stopped me with her hand clasped onto mine and told me how much she appreciated it. That touch was very special.
have a blessed Friday!
Bethany
I am thankful to have been raise in a hugging family…and continued this with my family…hard to imagine not loving on our dear ones this way…but your post really made me think…I will start being more observant to others that might need some of this loving shared with them….
What a wonderful challenge, Debbie 🙂
Love the last names of the ladies at your church.