We are the Presbytery
of Western Colorado
How are you about Hugging?
HOW ARE YOU ABOUT HUGGING?
Steve Gammill, Monument Presbyterian Church, July 4, 2013
I expect as many answers as there are people with feelings about hugging. Ranging, of course, from "don't touch me!" to "I'll hug anybody---any time."
Often in churches people hug each other at least once during a service and in many churches that is part of the routine every Sunday. It does seem women are more inclined to hug, at least in public. But more and more I see folks from both sides of the gender isle just huggin' away. Personally, I love it and love to see it.
But there certainly was a day that I didn't! I wasn't raised "touchy-feely," and it took me quite a while. Even then, at first it was just something I had to get through to please others around me. But that's pretty much a "me" message. So is anyone else's answer to the question.
Aside from how we each feel, is there any value or benefit to or from hugging once you reach beyond the age of, say, seven? Hugging can be a very powerful tool to convey love and friendship, warmth and encouragement, as well as comfort and empathy. How do you feel when you hug your child? What about your spouse or your Mom? Well, of course, that's different than hugging that old geyser that visits your church every month or so. It is, but, just maybe it shouldn't be.
Did you know that "Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist, has said "(w)e need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth."