Devotion for July 25, 2022
The Power of Touch Mark 5:21-43
Safe touch, appropriate touch is a powerful interaction between people. Scientists say we need as many as ten “safe” touches from others every day. Shaking hands, high fives, fist bumps, pats on the back, a quick hug and even touching fingers (think E.T.!) are affirming, bring about awareness, remind us that we are alive. During the Pandemic, we’ve been afraid of touch, we’ve avoided being close enough to one another to touch. Bumping elbows is just not the same.
There are more than a hundred synonyms for “touch.” Certainly, we can touch each other skin to skin. And we can also touch heads and hearts. We can move people and they feel something and react. We can share a thought or sentiment and “touch” people. SAFE touch is an amazing interaction between two or more people. Performers can touch a whole room of people all at the same time. Comedians touch us with laughter; dramatists move us to tears. When my grandchild climbs into my lab, my heart is filled, my soul is touched.
Jesus was touched on his feet by a grieving father. Jesus was touched on the hem of his garment by a hurting woman. These two touches were filled with desperation and hope. While these were physical touches, they were also “heart” touches. These touches were in response to something they hoped for, were filled with an urgency that moved them to physical touch.
Jesus spoke to the desperate woman and blessed her. She was healed. Jesus touched the hands of a dying young girl; brought her back to life. She was healed. Touch is powerful. Touch reminds us that we are important. Share safe touches ordain us, commission us, affirm us, heal us. And hear the words of Jesus that were so touching, “Your faith has made you well…Do not fear, only believe!”
There is power in touch! Who needs your healing touch? Who needs your words of power, your expression of healing?
My friend, Bill Werts, authored a poem about “touch” a while ago. I use it in most of my training sessions. I love these words, I “feel” my friend beside me with each reading, I remember the touch of his family on my life. I share my paraphrase of it with you hoping that you might be touched today, and perhaps blessed, and maybe healed a bit. Touch is powerful.
Touch Me
Touch my hand, special person.
Walk with me a while. Teach me how to smile.
Touch my head, special though.
Startle me with impulse. Teach me how to laugh.
Touch my heart, special feeling.
Open me up to honest emotions. Teach me how to love.
This week’s devotion is brought to you by Bo Prosser and the Campbell University’s Center for Church & Community.