3:216 – Touch Isn’t Optional

#faithbites #faithjourney touch

Setting

Last night I had a dream that I was full body-hugging someone as she needed comfort. In my head, I was worried about getting her sick with COVID-19 or something else. When I woke up, I wondered what life will be like after the Pandemic. When will we go back to hugging and touching each other?

When I posted about this on Facebook, I felt ashamed that I was comparing my need for human touch when others have lost their jobs, their security, and their loved ones. Many of my friends said that touch isn’t a #firstworldproblem and is essential for us as people. Touch is the first sense we develop in the womb. It is what connects us. Jesus healed people by touch. He greeted people with a kiss. Jesus washed their feet, which was touch. I didn’t realize how much I would miss it when it’s gone. Yes, I’m blessed to have those I live with and feel bad for wanting more.

How important is touch for you? Do you miss it? What coping mechanisms are you relying on?

Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 13:12 – Greet one another with a holy kiss. 
• John 13:5 – Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
• Matthew 8:3 – And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
• Deuteronomy 1:31 – And in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.’

Reflection

Kissing, washing, touching, carrying; all of these are ways that God and Jesus showed love. Jesus even touched a leper to heal him. Touch is not optional.  We need to find ways to touch. Maybe it’s safely increasing your social bubble or maybe it’s getting more touch from those who are in your bubble. We need to find ways to get the touch and affection we need.

I struggle being an extrovert who likes touch. I know I’m not alone. Touch is a gift from God that we need to have. We can understand the risks of COVID and other diseases and still be safe. It is hard to know when.

I pray that we can find a balance between safety and touch. I hope that you remember that touch isn’t a #firstworldproblem, but something that we all need in some form or another.

Challenge

When was the last time you were touched? Are your needs to touch others being met? If not, find a way. Be open about your need for touch. It’s not easy as many feel asking for touch is being creepy or selfish. But let your needs be known. (I know, this will be extremely difficult for me)

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have shown us how important touch was in your ministry on Earth. Your disciples also used touch as a way to heal, baptize, and share your peace. In this world, many of us are scared to touch. Help us to safely find ways to touch and enjoy that gift you gave us. Remind us that having those seeds met isn’t being selfish. We thank you for the way you have shown us to share the peace, help us to so in a pleasing, satisfying, and safe way. In your name, Amen.