Touched by Grace
Much has changed in our post-pandemic world. As we venture out of quarantine, we dip our toes (and arms) in a forbidden stream of interpersonal contact, absent for these many weeks. Formerly spontaneous greetings (hugs, handshakes, and kisses-on-the-cheek) have now become clumsy, or are avoided altogether. Which begs the question…
How should I act, speak or THINK about touching other people once again?
By proclamation, we have experienced several months of ‘sheltering in place’ resulting in varying degrees of isolation and detachment. Many of us long to be with other people beyond what is screen-based, masked or from six feet away. Such a craving for togetherness exists for a singular reason:
WE are created for more.
We are designed for physical touch. Skin-on-skin with newborns, hand-holding, grandma kissing cheeks; each provide connection benefits that bypass man-made boundaries of keeping our distance.
It is noteworthy that God was fully hands-on in forming Adam and Eve. Sculpting earth’s dirt, extracting a rib, breathing into nostrils vividly paints the picture of first man and woman. All our senses are fashioned with purpose mirroring God’s image (Genesis 1:26). What is more, God’s ongoing care and concern echoes with each human born since time’s beginning.
Person-to-person physical engagement has dominated human history. Scripture examples include: Joseph embracing his brothers, Ruth’s clinging to Naomi, endless prophets, priests and king’s receiving their anointing. All point to a need for human to human contact essential to our persona. The boy Jesus experienced touch too: in his mother’s tender care, handling the wood of his father’s carpentry business, in the texture of woven garments and temple scrolls.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus held children, broke bread and felt the crushing masses in pursuit of healing. He grasped mute tongues, blind eyes, deaf ears and leprous flesh – all while remaining unconcerned with any consequences. His very real presence on earth soothed grieving widows, anxious disciples and those who were hungry and thirsty. As he hung on a rough wood cross with nail- and thorn-pierced skin, Jesus became linked to our sin-pain and separation; steadfastly faithful as he proclaimed forgiveness.
“The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Oh, what love! Oh, what a Savior!
Jesus physical presence remains just as real today as each of us venture out of quarantine. The words: “I will reach out to you” or “Keep in touch” reminds us of the One who promises to never forsakes us. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we remain connected to the eternal God of the universe and to each other. Whenever we witness the power of water and Word at a baptism, take the bread and wine elements of communion or study the “alive and penetrating” Word of God: our Heavenly Father fans the flame of his spiritual presence in our soul.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Does a co-worker wonder why you freely dispense hugs as you return to the workplace? Do the neighbors wonder why you are so confident that God has you in his grip? Do others inquire about the hope that dominates your demeanor despite the frightening news of the day?
OR
Does a family member question why you aren’t coming to a wedding? Do church members wonder why you aren’t at public worship and still participate from home online? Do others know that you are high risk?
Doing the brave thing will look different for each of us.
Continue to speak Jesus’ grace to others on whatever way that may happen for you today, tomorrow and beyond.
And when we return to personal touch, let’s praise God for that blessing! You are touch-worthy and so are they. Venture to express Jesus’ divine brand of affection and concern. Converse face-to-face, trusting God’s purpose to engage people as he erases viral fear. Commissioned to be Jesus’ hands and feet, we can fearlessly and faithfully return to personal interaction. Hand-in-hand with the Creator, he grows our comfort in airport terminals, sport stadiums, crowded fairgrounds and far beyond.
This post pandemic world is something we all need to personally navigate in our own time.
As we reunite and fully embrace our loved ones recall that the One who loved us first embraces us forever.
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*** Please check your local guidelines/mandates and CDC recommendations for health advice. We recognize that not every location is impacted by the virus the same and regulations will be different. This blog post is not meant to encourage women to ignore safety precautions while still at risk but rather to extend Jesus’ grace with others as we prayerfully meet the end of the coronavirus pandemic. God’s will be done!