March 14th, 2023: Being Hugged and Giving Hugs

We see this sign when we are at the arrival area at the Winnipeg airport. We see a variety of affection expressions. All of them begin with a tight hug.

Hugging tells the other person that their presence is welcome in our lives. It is a sign of acceptance. It expresses our connection with the other person.

Hugging tells others we are missing them. It feels like we use a hug to overcome the many months and years of separation. Somehow we hope a hug will bridge the gap of time.

Hugging tells others about a true sense of belonging. There is a definite sense of oneness in hugging. Nothing can be more magical than feeling a hug that way.

Hugging tells us that everything will be alright. We feel tremendous comfort, and healing takes place. We might be grieving, and a hug grants us the understanding that we are not alone.

“Let his left hand be under my head

And his right-hand embraces me.”

Songs of Solomon 2: 6

Acts 20:37 - “They all wept as they embraced [Paul] and kissed him.”