It’s almost impossible for me not to speak on the power of touch given the crisis we are dealing with today. Why this is such a wide spreading illness, I don’t have the answers. But, I want to address the power of touch. As a nation, we were already suffering from positive-touch deprivation and now, with the state of the world, we are experiencing positive touch less and less. In my profession and ministry, everything I do involves positive touch. In this post, I am sharing an article I wrote for my church’s newsletter on Comforting Touch from a biblical perspective. I specifically address the ability to touch from the heart first. My heart goes out to all the medical professionals and families of those who have been forbidden to see their loved ones in health facilities. I have been in the ministry of comfort for over 20 years and I can assure you that visitation to the sick and seriously ill is of upmost importance. For example, some residents in nursing homes are not privileged to have family to care for them by frequent visitation, being their advocate, etc. There are people in nursing homes, and the like, that are left there with no one to come and see about them. Oftentimes, we find ourselves visiting and praying for others who may not have contact with any family or friends and if they do, it may be very infrequent. My heart goes out to those who have expressed their pain and discontent with not being able to visit with their loved ones, at this present time. Although, they understand the necessity, it doesn’t make it any easier. I want to encourage all those who read this post today to step away from your busyness and pray for all those who have been disconnected from their loved ones, pray for the health and safety of them all until God sees fit to turn things around, and provide some encouragement. Touch is not only with the hands, but we touch first from the heart. We can still pick up the phone and call, we can still send an email or text of encouragement, we can still say a prayer as we ride pass a health facility, we can still be kind to everyone we see, we can still give a warm smile, we can still encourage each other with positive, uplifting and inspirational conversation. I think you get the picture. It appears that no one has all the answers for this crisis, because we still have a crisis. But thank God there are people who are trained, skilled, gifted and equipped to handle certain situations as God uses them to help many. Now is a time when you too can be used to bring love, comfort and reassurance to many. We are all blessed, and I pray that we take this opportunity to continue to be a blessing using our gifts, talents and skills. You are already amazing. Share the love. We are all still here on this earth for a reason. Let’s use our time wisely and stay connected. God Bless!
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COMFORTING TOUCH
Written by Jean Jeffreys
“And Jesus came and touched them, and said ‘Arise, and be not afraid” (Mathew 17:7)
Touch can be a “touchy” subject. There are many types of touch. Because of the evil that is present in our world today, touch has become a word that makes some individuals uncomfortable or afraid. But take comfort in knowing that Jesus is still touching lives each and every day. He also wants us to do the same. Unquestionably, touch is important to Jesus. For the word touch appears in the Bible in some form at least 159 times.
It saddens me to hear people say that they do not like to be touched. Is it because of a negative encounter or is it because they have never been touched in a positive, reaffirming way? “Lack of touch” may be due to anger, fear, resentment, hurt, pain, distrust, anxiety, etc.
According to the Webster’s Dictionary, touch means “to handle or feel gently, usually with the intent to understand or appreciate.” Located at the University of Miami, the Touch Research Institute studies the effects of Touch Therapy. The Institute’s Director, Tiffany Fields, Ph.D., stated in her book, Touch “Touch is critical for children’s growth, development and health, as well as for adults’ physical and mental well-being. Yet, the American society is dangerously touch-deprived.”
The world needs healing. We all have a part to play, healing the heart one touch at a time. When we touch each other, we touch the heart of God. When we touch the heart of God, we have the power to heal. Before touching anyone, we must ask the following questions:
Intent – Do I intend to harm, uplift, encourage or honor?
Motive – Is my heart in the right place?
Self-Analysis – Do I have a right to touch?
Purpose – What is the reason for the touch?
Trusting – Is my touch a positive affirmation or a denial of self-worth?
Is my touch appropriate or inappropriate?
Jesus touched many, not only with His hands, but with His heart and attitude toward humanity.
We too can touch others without physically laying our hands on them. You can be made whole, and you can be used to bring another into wholeness. Touch is not a bad thing. For it should be viewed as positive, reassuring and gentle. What if we could all decide to touch from our heart and allow the Lord to use us to touch other’s lives in a way that would be transforming and reaffirming? Try touching with your heart before touching with your hands. See the difference you can make, not only in your life but the lives of others.
The ultimate transforming touch is from the Lord Jesus Christ. Touch to heal, not to harm?
Written by
Jean Jeffreys
Certified Life Coach
Board Certified Massage Therapist,
Certified Reflexologist, Esthetician, Doula
Lover of Life
(revised 2020)
