296 – The Human Connection

#faithbites #faithjourney connection

We are busy people running from meeting to meeting, task to task, social media feed to social media feed. We are always on the go, usually at the expense of that human touch and connection. Today, I had the opportunity for touch and for talk, with friends. I was able to give a shoulder rub to a friend who needed it and talk deeply and openly. It was warming and helpful to have that bond. It wasn’t about work or politics or anything, just about us as people and how we felt. As a person, I very rarely open up about everything that is on my heart and mind, but this afternoon I was fortunate to. I am thankful for the trust, the respect, and the openness of these friends. I am still in awe about how much I needed that. To have that connection with someone without judgment, without fear, without repercussions is amazing.

In our society, we are more “prude and proper” than we should be when it comes to that human connection. I’m not saying anything sexual or unwanted but hugging, touching, shoulder rubs and more is something that we don’t often do unless we are in a romantic relationship. Often times we see massage as leading to something else.  We also don’t talk about our innermost feelings unless it is to a loved one (sometimes) or a therapist.

That ability to connect by touch, emotion, and thought, is powerful.

Scripture

• And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. – Luke 6:19
• Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. – 1 Thessalonians 5:26 (or 2 Corinthians 13:12)
• And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. – Mark 6:56

Reflection

Scripture is filled with verses on what we should touch and what we shouldn’t. Many stories of how the touch of Christ healed people, even touching his garments healed them. I personally like 1 Thessalonians 5:26, greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

We have become so attached to our devices, to our standards, that we have lost some of this connection. The ability to connect with someone in a non-sexual, non-romantic way. To me, this is an extension of “Love God, Love People”. In some parts of the world, cuddle parties are springing up. There is no sex, nothing immoral. Just another way to connect with each other.

If you believe in God, do you think he would give touch so much power if we weren’t meant to share that? I don’t think so. Again, I’m not talking about unwanting touching. I’m talking about touching both of the body and of the soul through deep conversations.

Today, I am thankful that I have that relationship with some friends. That I can let down my guard through the gift of touch and talk. I hope and pray we are raising our children to appreciate that touch and talk. It is important for personal and spiritual growth.

Charge

How do you connect to people? Are there people with whom you can talk deeply and openly with? Do you have a friend or friends with whom you can share a touch or a connection? Find a person or persons who you can hug, massage, and talk to. You won’t regret it.

Lord, help me to share your gift of touch with others. Let me touch and my words bring peace, relief, and relaxation. Allow me to do so in a way that follows your law and is helpful and never harmful.