Scripture, The Holy Bible, is replete with examples of touch.

First mention of touch is in Genesis, when God tells Adam and Eve that if they touch the fruit of the tree, that they shall surely die. Genesis 3:3

It refers to becoming holy when touching the alter that is holy. Exodus 29:37

It refers to touching that which is unclean. Leviticus 5:3

It refers to he who touches you,  touching the apple of his eye: Zechariah 2:8

I could go on and on. 144 times the word touch is used in the Bible. (ESV)

The one I want to show you is this one; found in Mark chapter 16, the last part of the 18th verse;

They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.

I’m not here to debate scripture, I just wanted to point out a thought I had some time ago about this verse. It showed up to me in conversation again last week. I’ve had much time to test my hypotheses on what I’m about to say, and I believe it to be true.

Notice, no where there in that verse does its say that you have to pray. No where in that verse does it say you have to speak. No dialogue appears necessary.

It simply says lay hands on. Touch. Hug? And they will recover.

It does not speak of what kind of sick; cold, flu, cancer, blind or deaf. It doesn’t speak of sick that is not evident in appearance; depression, mental challenges, fibromyalgia or a plethora of other things.

I have read stories, miraculous ones, where a newborn is close to death, when a sibling is placed touching their side or someone related or otherwise, holds on to them. Holds on to them like they are the most important thing in life at that moment; when suddenly, signs of life begin to return.

Many times, I have felt downtrodden, sad or just plain lonely, and someone holds my hand, puts their hand on my shoulder, or gives me a hug. No words. Just a simple touch. Amazingly, the despair, the sadness, the loneliness, begins to subside.

I have been a big proponent of hugs for a very long time. It’s a “Ministry” of sorts. I’ve hugged some, who simply refused to let go. When this happens I begin to imagine the energy of the Lord transferring from me to them. And you know what? I believe it does. When they finally let go, they say that they feel better.

Can you imagine? Something as simple as a hug, giving off healing power?

I know it’s true! I’ve read about it, seen it, felt it, and been a giver of it.

There is one disclaimer though. You have to “Know your audience” as they say. Not everyone is open to hugs, or even healing for that matter. (Imagine?) So you have to let them be. But for those who are open to it, a wondrous thing can occur.

So who’s with me? Can we all begin a hug fest today, and see where it takes us? There can be a whole lot of healing going on!