The power of touch can be comforting. It can heal. And it connects us in ways that computers and electronic devices can’t. But during this pandemic, it’s difficult to embrace those who are not in our immediate families.
We know that people heal faster when they’re touched. We know that the lack of touch in babies can impair development. We know that the elderly can suffer from touch deprivation even when they are surrounded by people all day long.
We know that Jesus liked to touch people. There are Bible stories where he healed people from afar—so it was something that he could do. But time and time again, we read about how Jesus physically touched people. He even touched those that no one else would.
If you can’t reach out and touch someone, who in your life might benefit from hearing you laugh out loud? Who needs to hear someone say, “I’m thinking about you?” Take your lead from Jesus, our model of healing and comfort. What are some ways you can give someone a virtual hug?
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Amy Jandrisevits. Today we remember Andrew, the Apostle.
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