Encourage Me: Connection

"Touch deprivation is a reality in American culture as a whole. … It's not just babies needing to be touched in caring ways or the sick. It's not just doctors and nurses needing to extend it. It's all of us, needing connection, needing to receive it, needing to give it, with genuine happiness at stake." (Rev Anthony David)

Though social isolation and self-quarantining have become a necessary part of our society due to the spread of the Coronavirus, the side effect of this have been more people feeling lonely, and in need of the human touch in whatever form that makes itself known.

A hug (physical or verbal) from someone who cares about you can often make a positive difference in an ordinary day. How does it feel when you realize the hand of God is on your life? It is an amazing experience (just like when you are encouraged by the love of someone close to you). This is what is meant by both the human and divine touch.

When a severe punishment is needed for a criminal often solitary confinement is used. Why? Humans don’t thrive without the connection of another human being. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a baby beginning life, or an older person near the end of life. The human touch (both physical and emotional) is essential to growth.

I believe, when you discover someone who likes to be left alone (a loner), chances may be that they have been hurt in a relationship, and have given up trying to connect with other people. Another explanation could be that they have poor socialization skills. As a good friend once advised me, “You only get better at connecting with other people by being around them a lot.”

Pets of any kind have a great way of getting past all our defenses to make a deep connection that other humans have failed to make in the past. I do not believe an animal connection should take the place of a human one. In my opinion animals break down the walls to better people skills. Unconditional love can be represented in many different ways.

Volunteering in your community (or abroad) is a great way to get beyond the needs of yourself to help those who desperately need your human touch of love. Volunteering also helps you realize that others have challenges that far outweigh yours. God wants you to be generous in how you give to others.

Luke 6:38 (ERV) says: Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you. Volunteering can take many forms (whether it’s serving your own family, or helping those you do not know. God is concerned with the heart attitude you have when you serve others. Your heavenly Father notices when you serve others as a way to show your love for Him. How would you say you are rating on the Service-to-God Scale (1 is poor and 5 is fabulous). Are you on target, or do you need improvement?[i]