The healing power of a hug
" … and all who touched him were healed."
- Matthew 14:36 (NIV)
My friend gives the best hugs. She asks if you'd like a hug and if you say, "sure," she wraps her arms around you. One of her friends told her she has the ministry of hugs (meaning she blesses others with her hugs).
Health experts say a loving touch heals. As a nurse, I learned babies and infants who were neglected suffered from what was termed "Failure to thrive syndrome" when they weren't cuddled by another human. Due to lack of coddling, these little ones became depressed, refused to eat and suffered weight loss and malnutrition.
Nothing compares to the hug of a mother, spouse, or friend. A loving touch on our hand or across our cheek can sooth our fears and calm our nerves. Hugs also speak louder than any words expressed when greeting a soul who mourns.
I believe our hugs can come in many forms. When a physical hug isn't appropriate, I believe a kind word spoken can feel like a hug to the heart.
The Bible has many displays of the healing power of touch. When the apostle Paul prayed for a ruler's sick relative, he placed his hands on the man and, as he prayed, the combination of touch and prayer manifested healing in the man's body.
Also in the Bible, there was a woman who was afflicted with an illness for 12 years. When Jesus walked by, she pushed her way through the crowd to get near to him because she knew she would be healed with one touch of his garment.
When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, his arms were stretched open wide. It was as if God was getting ready to embrace us with a hug of forgiveness.
There is healing power in hugs that is beyond our comprehension. So let's reach out with a special valentine hug to our family and close friends and trust in the secret power of healing given through a hug. And if you are alone this Valentine's Day, know that God has embraced you with a healing hug.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. She is available to speak at your church or business or be your personal life coach. Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.