Touch

When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.  He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. (Matthew 8:14, 15 NIV)

Wasn't there once a time you could touch people without offending them in one way or another?  It seems there was, but maybe I just wish it were at least once so.  These days if you touch a person's shoulder when you talk to them, you are "invading their space."  If you are excited for a woman who is obviously very pregnant and dare to put your hand however briefly and lightly on her belly, you are taking unwelcome liberty.  Shaking hands is spreading germs.  And a hug... well there is far too much sexual suggestion in a hug!

To some extent, I understand this reluctance to touch or be touched, but like so many things in this world today, we have taken it too far.  How sad is it when a pastor is afraid to hug a parishoner because he/she might put him/herself at risk to be accused?  How sad is it when a person is offended because we show our concern, care or love by touching their hand or shoulder when we speak to them?

I believe we are hungry for touch.  Jesus healed by touching.  And we can heal one another by touching.  I have seen tears of emotional healing flow when at church we have laid hands on someone as we prayed for them... it wasn't the prayers as much a the touch that affected them.  That touch goes much deeper than the skin.  When we are touched like that it goes straight to our heart.

I remember going through a difficult time as a young woman.  A co-worker... someone I really didn't know well... sensed I wasn't myself and asked if I was ok.  I said, "not really."  Without even knowing the problem, this person just wrapped their arms around me and hugged me.... and that's all I needed to release the pent up emotion.  It was cleansing and I needed it.

I think that maybe our problem with touch today is that we are afraid of showing our emotions like that.  We are afraid of looking weak or fragile.  But when we refuse to be touched we miss out on a very special kind of healing.  Ok, maybe we don't want strangers in our face all day... but can we not allow the touch of a caring person every now and then even if we don't know them well?  I think the world would be a better place for it.  We could heal one another one gentle touch at a time.

Lord Jesus,
If you were physically in our midst today would we let you touch us, or would we forgo your healing because of our discomfort?  Help us to touch and be touched.  Amen.

Joys:  sunshine this morning; plans for another wedding heating up; a day off