A blog where women are inspired and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Monday, April 29, 2013

A Loving Touch Can Make A Difference



Last week I was in a store looking at books {no surprise there!}  Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a middle aged woman artfully wearing a hunter-green baseball cap, covering a head that I’m sure was once adorned with hair, but now was smooth and hair free. 

I’m not sure who began the conversation, but as we talked, I discovered she was in the final stages of chemotherapy, treating a rare blood cancer... the same rare cancer her mother died from at just her age. I shared with her about a friend of mine who is also undergoing chemo for cancer, and has received strength, comfort, and an amazing peace from God in the midst of it all...  She nodded and said she too was a believer.

We stood and boasted on the Lord for a few more minutes and then I asked her if I could give her a hug {not something I usually do with strangers}.  She looked a little surprised, but shook her head yes.  And then without hesitation, she fell into my outstretched arms and held on with a fierce grip.  I felt her tremble and then listened and listened as she, through quiet tears, poured out her soul-deep hurts. 

Oh, how my heart ached for this woman with a port in her shoulder, a port in her abdomen and no hair on her head.  This woman who was afraid and lonely and heartbroken.  This woman who knows Jesus, but like me, {and probably you} has times of doubt and fear and sadness.  This woman who hadn’t been hugged in a very long time.

After a heart-to-Jesus prayer, and encouraging words, we eventually went our separate ways.  Neither one of us ever picked up a book... That wasn’t really the reason we were there that day.  

As I walked away, all I could think of was how powerful a simple touch can be.  It was a hug that opened the door to this woman’s heart.  Jesus knew the power of touch; He used it often.  He was always touching people... flesh on flesh. 

He didn’t have to touch the skin-dripping leper, the crusted eyes of the blind man, the fevered hand of Simon's mother-in-law.  He could easily have healed with or without a word, but He chose to touch the unclean, the smelly, the blistered, the contagious, the ugly, the sinful. 

He could have looked into a crowd, and pronounced them all healed, but He chose to go one by one, touching and allowing each one to feel His presence, His warmth, His care, His concern, His love. 

A simple touch can convey... 
acceptance, comfort, love, compassion and so much more.

A hand on the back, a light touch on the arm, 
a hand on the shoulder, a hug.

A simple touch can say...
I’m here. I care. I love you. I know you can do it!
You're going to be OK. You’re alive. You matter.

Jesus touched them. 

 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. 
Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 20:34 NIV

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.
But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 17:5-7 NIV

But Jesus took hold of the boy’s hand and helped him to stand up.
Mark 9:27 EXB

Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus
about her right away.  So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and
helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.
Mark 1:30-31 NLT 

When was the last time a girlfriend touched your arm or gave you a hug?
Physically, how did it feel?
What emotions did it evoke?
Leave a comment!
 
I realize that not everyone is comfortable being touched or touching...  And that's perfectly alright!  
Please be sensitive to a person's preferences.  
 And if you don't know the person, please ask permission before hugging!:) 
Living in His grace,
  Mary  
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46 comments:

  1. A hug brings me comfort in stress or sorrow. It brings reassurance that everything is going to be ok. It also celebrates happiness and excitement that I am present with them. Thank you for this post.

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    1. Grace, I'm amazed at everything the simplest touch can convey. Jesus set a beautiful example of using touch to comfort, strengthen, and so much more.
      Thanks for coming by. I always appreciate your visits!
      Blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

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  2. Last summer I had the privilege of being able to have a conversation with a man on the streets of New Orleans. We exchanged the common introductions and made our way through the topics that I would expect and then he thought he would try and challenge me with a simple request, you guessed it, he wanted me to touch him. My heart truly leaped with joy as I not only touched his shoulder, but took his hand and looked him in the eye and shared with him my understanding of his request without saying a word. As I prayed with him, I could truly feel the power of his gratefulness for the gesture. I knew that Jesus was right there with us, just as he promised he would be, blessing us and binding us together as brother and sister. It is a moment I will truly never forget and have every intention of replicating when given the opportunity. Thanks Mary for the reminder that I am in need to be the eyes, hands and heart of Jesus to the least of these, here on this side of Eternity.

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    1. Marsha, I'm so glad you shared this beautiful God story! Thank you for taking the time and having the compassion and courage to take this dear man by the hand and unite in prayer... that's so awesome. God bless you for for sharing the loving touch of Jesus!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  3. I am a big-time hugger. I hug my hubby and even my 20 year old son gives hugs to me, still. I hug my closest friends every time we meet, In fact, I've had to catch myself, as I realize not everyone grew up hugging or even touching others and it can be uncomfortable for some. If it's someone I don't know well, I usually ask if it's o.k. and if they say not really, I don't push the issue. To me, hugs are amazing!!!
    Ann @ Christ in the Clouds

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    1. Ann, I'm a big-time hugger too! I'm sure if we met, we'd greet each other with a hug! I try to be really sensitive to those who aren't comfortable with touch, but I find so many are touched-starved.
      I'm so glad you came!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  4. I love this post. We also see over and over in the scriptures the power in the laying on of hands. Touch is such a powerful thing and we, in our culture of isolation, have lost sight of it. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.

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    1. Kate, you're right the scriptures are full of touch. I love the way Jesus so lovingly and powerfully touches those we would deem untouchable. He's such an awesome example of connection.
      It's wonderful having you here!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  5. Dear Mary
    Thank you for being there and fir helping to carry this dear woman's burden even if it was for just a short while. You have honored your Papa God, that lady and yourself. You have a beautiful heart.
    Blessings
    Mia

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    1. Mia, Jesus was such a wonderful example of hearing and loving the hurting. I'm grateful that our Pappa postured me and this dear lady to be looking at books at the same time. He cares so deeply for me and is teaching me to care for others.
      Praying for you, my sweet sister.
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  6. Thank you for sharing this post. Interesting enough, I was just having a conversation with someone about this very same thing. Touch - so powerful! Have an amazing week!

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    1. Hi Victory! I love how God drives home what He wants to teach us! Touch is so powerful...
      I'm glad you came by today!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  7. Oh Mary, I love how the Lord uses you and how you open yourself up to whatever the Lord would have you to do.

    Touch it is so important.

    thank you again for teaching us how to listen to the Lord and love as He would.

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    1. Hi Marlece! God is so good to give us opportunities to extend His compassion to the hurting. My challenge is taking the time to recognized those opportunities! I'm thankful that His word teaches us how to connect with those who need His loving touch.
      I'm so glad to have you here!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  8. I honestly cannot remember, so I thank you for this reminder to physically reach out to people who are hurting. Thank you.

    (I came from the link up at Teaching What is Good.)

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    1. Ginger, it's so good of God to remind us to extend His loving touch and connect with others. He cares so deeply for each of us!
      Thanks for coming by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  9. Sounds like such an incredible God meeting! Bless you for seeing, stopping, listening, praying, and hugging this woman! Touch is a powerful tool God used to heal souls, isn't it!? I remember when I first returned to Christ after a life of sin, I didn't want anyone to touch me. I was cold, distance, & sooo unaffectionate. I rejoice, that it is now me who hugs constantly and probably offends a lot of people because of it! Lol. Only God could do that! Only God!!
    Will keep this sweet lady in my prayers & continued prayers that you continue to be His walking witness, wherever you go, friend!
    UNITED in His goodness,
    Jen

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    1. Jen, it certainly was a beautiful divine appointment. Touch can make a profound difference in our lives. I'm so thankful that God embraced you so that you can embrace so many! I appreciate the many ways He uses you!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  10. I just love how you are so open to letting God use you. You aren't too busy to stop, look at your surroundings and wonder who you could "love on". That is truly what Jesus was like. It wasn't about Him, but others. I agree that a simple touch can make a difference. Some people are starving for it.

    XOXO,
    Meredith

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    1. Meredith, God gives us so many opportunities to 'love on' people... And we're all in need of a compassionate word or a kind touch. I'm so thankful that Jesus shows us how to extend His loving touch. My challenge is taking the time to hear and obey!
      I'm so glad to have you here!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  11. Beautiful reminder! Thank you!

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    1. Beckey, God does beautiful things, doesn't He! :)
      Thank you for coming by !
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  12. Thank you so much for sharing your story...I love how God used you in this woman's life. Simply beautiful and a wonderful reminder to us all on how powerful showing compassion is. We all long to be seen and you not only saw this women, but you saw and stopped to show her compassion. This is loving like Jesus loved us.
    You have inspired me.
    Thank you.
    Beth

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    1. Oh Beth, isn't it wonderful how God gives us opportunities to extend His compassion to those around us? Our lives are full of His love-extended... I pray that He draws people into our realm of influence and that we are faithful to love as He loves.
      I'm so blessed that you came by!
      Blessings and love ~ Mary

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  13. Mary! The gift of your hug. Absolutely priceless. I love your heart. Thank you for sharing with #TellHisStory. You are a beautiful soul.

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    1. Jennifer, thank you for your sweet words. And thanks so much for faithfully hosting Tell His Story and poignantly pouring His presence into our lives each week!
      Blessings and love to you my friend ~ Mary

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  14. My mother hated it to hug her children. Why? I don't know. So I learned meself how important it is. My daughter often asks: Mom, hug me. I love this blog. It feels like a loving, warm hug :-) It touches me. Blessing to you.

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    1. Jedidja, I'm so sorry that you were raised without those hugs from your mother. It sounds as though you've broken that legacy and replaced it with a loving embrace... A mom who hugs her daughter.:) You can always come here for a warm hug!
      Blessings and love to you, my friend ~ Mary

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  15. A touch of love can really do much, Jesus was definitely a toucher and I like the way you presented the scriptures. We should learn to express His love to our world. I am happy for the difference you must have made in the heart of that woman and I am certain you felt good about it too.
    Found you on Thursday Thoughts and liked your page and followed on GFC too.
    Have a super blessed near-weekend!
    Love

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    1. Ugochi, We, as believers, are called to share the truth of His love as the Spirit leads. I'm trying to have opened-eyes to see where He wants to use me... I often miss it. I'm glad He's patient with me!
      I love having you here! Thanks for following!
      Blessings to you, my friend ~ Mary

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  16. Another great post!!! This had me in tears :) So beautiful and touching, and so so so true. Thank you so much for your love of the Lord, and for your willingness to touch others as he calls you to!

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    1. Hi April! Thank you for always being such an encouragement to me! I love your heart, sweet sister!
      Blessings and much love ~ Mary

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  17. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful post! I loved it! Thanks so much for linking up with me at NanaHood.com I really appreciate it. Do come back next Thursday. I want to keep in touch. My cousin is a 3 time breast cancer survivor. NanaHood is pink until there is a cure! Blessings to you! Teresa

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    1. Teresa, I'm so glad you came by! Thank you for using your blog to bring awareness to breast cancer. I'm so thankful that your cousin is a SURVIVOR!
      I look forward to getting to know you... Thanks for hosting the linkup!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  18. This is beautiful. My friend died of cancer last year and this post reminded me of her. She smiled all the time, refused to admit she might die, was a tremendous testimony to everyone until the end. That was a very special moment with the lady you met and hugged. Great post Mary.

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    1. Judith, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm sure you miss her and yet rejoice because she's in the presence of our Lord. Thanks so much for coming by. I really appreciate you...
      Blessings and love, my friend ~ Mary

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  19. What a blessing of a story! And what a great reminder! I can't hardly remember the last time I hugged someone, besides my husband and daughter. It would feel so weird to me!

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    1. Alyssa, I'm sure it blessed me as much as it blessed that dear lady. Not everyone is a huggy person... and that's absolutely OK. I'm glad you have your husband and daughter to love on!
      Thanks so much for coming by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  20. You brought tears to my eyes, Mary. I had a similar opportunity this week -- a patient of mine, an intellectual, someone "above" God because he is a professor at the university and knows too much to believe. . . shared that he is having life-or-death heart surgery next week. I summoned my courage, through caution to the wind, and answered the Holy Spirit's prompt to ask him if I could pray for him. He said yes, and I laid my hand on his arm and asked for God's mercy and healing. Now I am praying that God will grant him enough time on this earth to come to know my Savior. Thank you for the reminder that prayer is always appropriate,and often, hugs are too. Visiting from Hungry for God; Starving for Time and glad I did today.

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    1. Oh Lori, how sweet of God to send you to this man to share His love. Thank you for your ear to hear the Holy Spirit and your obedience to touch and pray. Thankfully God can soften even the hardest heart...
      I appreciate your compassionate heart!
      Blessings my sister ~ Mary

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  21. Sweet shelter. I'm sure you'll never know just what all that hug did, but the ripples from it must surely reach others.

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    1. Pamela, I know I was certainly blessed by this divine appointment and I pray she was as well!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  22. Hi Mary, this is such a beautiful reminder to reach out when we feel the Lord tell us to. I am not by nature a touchy feely person but the last 2 years or so, I find myself reaching out and hugging a lot more and it is amazing what walls come down when you do
    God bless
    Tracy

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    1. Tracy, you're right. Touch seems to open our hearts to relationship and is so powerful in tearing down walls. Jesus was such a perfect example!
      I'm so glad you came by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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  23. So beautifully written! May I one day hold the same courage to extend Christ's love to others. Have a blessed Sunday!

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    1. Carrie, I'm certain that God will give you the opportunity and the courage to extend His love. You probably already do it in ways that you don't even recognize!
      Thanks so much for coming by!
      Blessings to you ~ Mary

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