Physical Touch

Dear friends,

In the middle of the field with the sun blanketing my shoulders, I sat on the wooden folding chair with my feet placed firmly on the ground. The dry grass tickled my ankles while the breeze shifted my shirt. With my eyes shut tight, I breathed in a full breath, hemming in every part of my lungs. I held the breath for a beat and let it out—a whisper between my lips. 

And then I felt the hands. Hands from friends and church leaders. Hands on my shoulders, head, arms—their weight heavy yet tender. I felt held, beloved, accepted, seen. I experienced the Holy Spirit’s affirmation and sacred presence through those hands on me. 

The unexplainable enveloping and encompassing presence of the Holy Spirit is actually and authentically felt through physical touch. This is why we lay hands on each other in prayer. This is why we greet each other with a hug or kiss. This is why we hold hands while praying over a meal. We embody the sacred presence of the Holy Spirit. 

So how are we to meet the spiritual and very real need for physical touch during a pandemic?

Today, may you walk outside, turn your face towards the sun and imagine every warm ray as the touch of the Spirit, like a dove’s gentle presence—God’s affirmation of you. May the breeze on your skin be the greeting of a holy kiss. May your feet feel the Creator’s solid foundation for you to stand upon. May you wrap your arms around yourself, hugging yourself closely, digging your fingers into your arms in absolute and total love and acceptance. 

With your eyes closed and your arms wrapped tightly around you, take a deep-full breath in. Hold it. Now slowly let it out with a smile. 

May you lead others in your life to do the same. And may you know you are not alone, even in a pandemic. 

With (love),

Bethany