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| Touch is Vital, it is Healing, it is One of the Five Senses That God Gave Us. We Cannot Survive Without it. Even in Romans 16:16 We Are Told to "Greet One Another With a Holy Kiss." God said in Genesis, "It is Not Good For Man to Be Alone." (Genesis 2:18) The Truth STILL Applies Today. |
I didn't realize, until this past weekend what was lacking in my life. How very much "touch" matters. A friend who squeezes your hand in encouragement and understanding; A mother's embrace; A child's hug, A lover's touch. There is no substitute. Touch is one of the five senses, and one that perhaps we take for granted and don't give a lot of thought to. It ties in with our emotions, how we feel about "ourselves" how we feel about "others." Studies have been done on babies, and how in order to survive, thrive and grow, a "nuturing" touch is needed. But I don't think this goes just for our children. Adults need touch too. Touching is a way of communicating, a way of expressing ourselves, of conveying love and happiness. I agree with Carmen Jochmann's article - that touching is healing. I think it has a powerful affect on our moods. Have you ever noticed if you are having a bad day, and someone gives you a hug, it might have "softened" a grizzley bear mood?
When Adam was in the garden of Eden, he had everything beautiful surrounding him - yet, he felt a lack. He was not meant to be the only human being. God even said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) So God created Eve. Can you imagine the joy Adam felt at the touch of her hand? Or from the ability to share with her ALL the beauty of their surroundings? The companionship they shared? I'm quite sure they must have walked all throughout the garden holding hands with Adam pointing out all the things God had given him the priveledge of naming to her.
When I first was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was incredible to me - the people who disappeared from my life. As if I had leprosy. As if they could catch it themselves... Now, I'm not "judging" them because I'm sure to some people hearing what was going on with me made them think about their own mortality... So perhaps it wasn't "me" they ran from - just the fact that any time coming in contact with me, or hearing about me made them realize how "short" life is. It hurt. It made major life changes occur in my life. It made me realize all the more - what I want and can accept in life and the things I can't accept. Going through breast cancer became a very lonely experience. With couples, sometimes one partner can't "be" there for their spouse. Its not as if they don't want to be - they just emotionally can't. It's not the case with all couples - but I am told that it happens with quite a few. No one could feel what I felt because they were not "personally" experiencing it. They couldn't relate. At times it seemed as if the only one who could truly hold my hand through though the process, was God Himself. Yet, I was like a child who angrily took my hand out of His. Because I couldn't get the answer of "why?" from Him. It wasn't for me to know.... YET at the same time, the mother He gave me, held me up. Wouldn't let me quit or give up, even when I wanted to. A friend who lived far away called me daily to check on me, which was a lifeline for me. God gave me (through Facebook) Pink Sisters - women from ALL over the WORLD who were going through breast cancer, the same as I. So we could share with each other, learn from each other. love each other, BE there for each other. Cry with each other. Act SILLY with each other. Build each other up and at times - literally pick each other up. Women who understood - what it was, even if I didn't have the words to say it. Even if I couldn't express it myself, or understand it myself. The strongest women I have ever known... I didn't think I would say that about anyone other than my sisters in Christ - yet many of them weren't there when I needed them. The body wasn't there. And I say that without bitterness because we are an imperfect Church. I say that without judgement because I (being a prodigal) cannot judge anyone because I'm too busy "getting the plank out of my eye" to get the stye out of theirs. And, if I was to be completly honest - I'm sure I withdrew.
Touch is healing. If you can, show love and affection to those around you. It can greatly encourage someone around you who needs it (and you may not even know how much). Nurturing is not something that only infants and children need - grown ups need it too - no matter the age. I think we'd best remember that. We are not Islands, we were created to LOVE and BE LOVED. It makes a huge difference. It makes life, WORTH living.
http://carmen-jochmann.suite101.com/the-benefits-of-human-touch-a155979
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