Good morning ladies-
So - what are we supposed to do when we can’t have one of our basic physical needs met? To be able to have someone reach out and touch you and in return, for you to reach out and touch someone else. I know for some, physical touch isn’t high on the priority list, but I believe they still desire to have someone near them. They desire to have someone speak to them and listen (for sisters that live on their own- they don’t have a spouse, family or a roommate to be near right now) For many the ability to gently touch someone, a gentle hand on a shoulder or a pat on the knee, lets them know that someone is there for them. For those who know me, you know that I’m a “touch-feely person”. When I pray with someone, I want to hold hands. When we talk, I want to be close and be able to reach out and express love through a gentle touch. I love to give hugs and to get hugs. When someone asks to pray with me it makes me feel close when they want to hold hands or give me a hug.
I’ve given lessons on 1 Kings 19... the very first thing the angel does when he comes to comfort Elijah, he touches him. He reaches out and puts his hand on him, before he feeds him or talks to him, he touches him. So... I have to tell you I really hate this social distance thing. It goes against every fiber of my being. Yet each and every day, working with HOPE worldwide (I am just about to log onto a meeting with our HOPEww mental health team, to see what ways we are able to help those who at this moment are suffering emotionally more than others), listening to the news, scrolling thru the posts, I am told it is what I need to do. And not just need to do but must do. So, how do I reconcile the two? Even in the midst of this pandemic, we can reach out and touch someone today. Send them a handwritten card, call them vs texting them. Remember those that live alone (both the young and the elderly), how can you help them? Remember those that already suffer from depression or anxiety -this time could be even more traumatic for them-listen to them, comfort them.
2 Chronicles 20:15... do not be afraid - do not be discouraged- the battle is not mine - it is God’s.
2 Kings 6: 15... do not be afraid- those that are with us are more... open your eyes and see the chariots of fire surrounding them
Isaiah 40: 28-31…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
Psalm 46: And finally, I just have to pause, breathe deep and trust…to be still and know that God is God, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Breathe deep everyone- we will get through this!
Love you all- Angela Tomlinson