Today’s exhortation – power of touch
There are so many things we take for granted and one of them is “touch.” It is one of the most essential elements of human development, a critical component of the health and growth of infants and a powerful healing force. Many animal and human studies show the benefits of touch, not only for depression, but for illnesses that have physical symptoms as well. The bible says “a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I Am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him.” (Luke 5:12-13)
The Lord could have given the word and the man would have been healed, but He touched him. I believe He did that to break the psychological damage on the man as well. In 1950s and 60s psychologist Harry Harlow conducted a research called “monkey-hug therapy.” Baby monkeys were raised by a fake mother made of wire and cloth with milk bottles instead of breasts. The babies were fed but not touched, hugged or held. In no time, they all showed signs of stress and depression. When the researches brought in an older monkey who hugged and cuddled them, the signs vanished. As Diana Ross’ song goes, “reach out and touch somebody’s hand; make this world a better place if you can.”
Francis Hans-Jorie