HUG

Hebrews 10:25  (ESV)

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

I read a story about a young woman named Linda who was traveling alone up the rugged highway from Alberta to the Yukon. The first evening she found a room at a small-town Inn in the mountains and figured she'd continue her journey bright and fresh, early the next morning. But strangely, when she called down to the front desk and asked for a wake-up call at 5 AM the clerk sounded puzzled by her request.

She awoke bright and early as she intended, and suddenly realized the reason for the clerk’s reaction the night before. A thick fog covered the mountain tops -- it was not the kind of weather in which you'd want to take a Sunday drive. Not wanting to look foolish, however, she got her things together and went to breakfast. There, she met two friendly truck drivers and who invited her to join them. "So, where are you headed?" one of the truckers asked. "Whitehorse", Linda replied.

"You're not planning on driving that little car are you?" he said chuckling and pointing outside at the only little car among several eighteen-wheelers in the parking lot. "This pass is dangerous in weather like this!" "Well," said Linda, "I'm determined to try." "Well then -- I guess we're just going to have to hug you," the other trucker suggested. "What?!" Linda gasped, "I don't think that would be appropriate!"

"Not like that!" the two truck drivers laughed heartily. "We'll put one truck in front of you and one in the rear. In that way, we'll get you through the mountains." All that foggy morning, Linda followed the two red dots in front of her and had the reassurance of a big escort behind as they made their way safely through the mountains.

Just as Linda did, we often feel confident that we can get by on our own, without any help from anyone else -- and before we know it, we're lost in the thick fog of the mountain of life. I have seen so many people leave the fellowship of believers and go off on their own, becoming bitter against a brother or sister, or pastor and believing they'll be better off doing their own thing. Many of these have sadly never come back to the fold. But this is yet another way the enemy of our souls seeks to draw us away from the Lord. As brothers and sisters in the Lord, we need to be closely knit with one another, helping each other and giving and receiving compassion and love. We need one another!

Let's get back into fellowship. Let's make it a priority to be "hugged" by our family in the Lord who know the way and can lead safely ahead of us, and strive to reach out and "hug" others by gently encouraging them along from behind!

Dear Lord, help us make an effort to be hugged and hug our fellow brothers and sisters as we go through this life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

A Simple Hug Could Mean the World to Someone.

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

She was eighty years young and still very active. In this small town in southwest Virginia, not much happened. It was just another empty day for a senior citizen who lived by herself. Although she has four children, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren, she was often alone.

In need of a few small things at the grocery and a desire to just get out of the house and be among people, she took a trip to the local Kroger's. Since there were only her own needs to satisfy, she walked up and down the aisles with a small cart. With just six items, she headed to the checkout.

He wandered the store. He'd come for a cup of hot soup and perhaps someone to talk to. The soup was good, it always was, but no one wanted to talk to an old man.

Disappointed, he was about to leave when he saw her. She headed to the checkout with only a few items.

"Good morning, Ma'am." He smiled, "You can't leave yet?"

She turned toward the voice. A well-dressed man smiled at her. "Excuse me?" She asked.

He pointed to the six items she'd selected. "Your basket is not full."

"There's no need to buy a lot." She replied. "There's no one to eat it."

He stared at her for a moment and said, "I'm so lonely!"

"I know what that's like."

In the middle of an aisle, in a large grocery store, at 11:30 AM, they stood and talked. "My wife and daughter died." He said. "They died too young." His eyes softened as he spoke briefly of them and then added, " I just recently, I lost my little Pomeranian.

She was all I had left. Now I'm alone."

"I'm so sorry." She felt her own eyes moisten. He was as alone as she was.

"It's OK." He said bravely. "I hope I can find another dog like her. She was such a joy. At least someone needed me. She gave me purpose. Now I have none. Perhaps I'll get another, but at my age, I don't want to leave her alone when my time comes. Then again, I have this big house. A dog would be happy there. I've lived in it for fifty years. It has big rooms."

"Oh, the homes were built big back then. It was a time when people had large families." She smiled and wondered where the conversation was going.

"They sure did. This old place has four bedrooms. Three of them are empty. It's just me now." He sighed. "There's not much to do. My days are empty. I do get out as often as I can. In fact, every morning I go to McDonalds for breakfast."

"Good for you!" She said. "I try to get out as much as I can myself."

"Those kids at McDonalds are very nice to me. They always greet me with a smile and make such a fuss over me. They're almost like having grandkids. And you know what?"

"What?"

He leaned close and whispered. "They let me have my coffee for free. What do you think of that?"

"That's wonderful!" She knew the joy it must give him to feel welcomed.

They chatted for perhaps twenty minutes. "Well," she looked into his eyes, which now sparkled with pride over the family he had at McDonalds. "I must be getting home."

"I understand." The sparkle faded. "It was nice talking to you."

"It was nice talking to you too." She touched his hand. "I mean it."

He looked back at her and asked softly, "Can I give you a hug?"

A bit taken by his request, but fully understanding his need, she said, "Yes!"

There they stood, in a warm embrace, in the middle of a busy grocery, on a normal day that was made special by a simple hug.

That evening, she reflected on her encounter with the man. She felt like he did, alone in the world. How many others her age feel the same loneliness? How many seniors just need a kind ear and perhaps a simple hug?

Let’s reach put today and give a simple hug. Who knows it may make their day.

Dear Lord, thanks for the example of love You have given to each of us. Help us see that one You will bring into our live today that needs a simple hug. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

It All Started With a Hug

John 13:34 (NIV)

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

The story is told by a nursing aid in a home for the elderly. She says one never seems to be amazed at anything. This cool September morning the minister’s wife and her daughter came to the home to visit the residents. The residents always looked forward to the minister’s wife visit but this was special, she was bringing her daughter.

Sitting in a corner of the living area was an elderly lady named Grace. Grace was so unhappy and it seemed that nothing could comfort her. Her families had brought her here over a year ago and have visited only once. Many families did that but some of the residents could deal with it while Grace could not.

Grace’s chin was on her chest and her white hair fell forward covering her face where silent tears rolled unto pale cheeks.

The young girl looked over at her and walked over to the darkened corner. She kneeled down and looked into moist blue eyes. A wide smile crossed her face as she said, “Hello, I am Beth, what is your name?”

Grace lifted her head and looked at the beautiful young girl who stood in front of her. She wiped the moisture from her cheek and whispered. “I am Grace, my dear; it is so nice to meet you.” A soft smile appeared on her face as she looked into the excited green eyes of the young lady standing before her.

Beth leaned over and gave Grace a big hug.

We all stood there with mouths wide open. Beth hugged Grace, and Grace hugged her back. In the whole year of her being in the home no one could ever remember her smiling let alone give a hug. Wow! The aids were amazed and even tears fell freely. That one act of kindness from a young girl who was only 8, made a big difference in another’s life.

Beth visited with her mother often and always went straight to Grace for her hug. They would visit and smile and laugh, they became such wonderful friends.

Over four years passed and Beth was always there for her visit with Grace. The one day she came Grace was not in her corner. She skipped down to her room thinking she was resting. The room was dark and empty.

The head nurse seen her and walked slowly towards her.

“Beth, I so wanted to catch you before you came and I did call but you had already left. Honey, Grace passed away late last night”

Beth looked at the nurse and said, “Oh my, Grace told me that she would soon be with her Lord. She has gone home to be with Jesus. She was so looking forward to that. Told me she would miss me but for me not to worry for she would be so very happy.”

A tear ran down Beth’s cheek, as she added, “I shall so miss her. I did so love her.”

The nurse watched Beth as she walked away. She wondered if that young lady had any idea of just how many lives she had touched with one hug.

Beth walked slowly; she was filled with so many emotions. Yes, she would so miss her Grace but she was so happy that Grace was home with Jesus.

Grace’s family made the arrangements for the funeral but Beth was not told where or when. This broke her heart. Still every week she would go to the nursing home and chat and hug the beautiful people there.

Years later, Beth was in charge of a large nursing home in the state of Ohio. She loved her work and she insisted that anyone working there would treat the residents with respect and dignity. Beth always told those who asked that she is working in the nursing home because of a wonderful precious lady named Grace. Grace had shown her how important all people are.

Will you take the time today to share a hug. Who knows what a difference it can make on the life of someone today.

Dear Lord, Help us to take the time to show your love today. Help us reach out and give a hug to one who needs it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Incredible Hug

Mark 12:31 (NIV)

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

In my life I have experienced a lot of different types of hugs. I have gotten the warm hug that goes on forever. I have gotten the bear hug that squeezes the air right out of your lungs. I have gotten the neck hug where the little child jumps in your arms and wraps lovingly around your neck. I have gotten the back slapper hug where the hugger gives you the bam, bam on the back. I have even gotten the leg hug which toddlers all over the world use to melt your heart.

Here is a story about Lee Shapiro a retired judge. He is also one of the most genuinely loving people we know. At one point in his career, Lee realized that love is the greatest power there is. As a result, Lee became a hugger. He began offering everybody a hug. His colleagues dubbed him "the hugging judge" (as opposed to the hanging judge). The bumper sticker on his car reads, "Don't bug me! Hug me!"

A few years ago Lee created what he calls his Hugger Kit. On the outside it reads "A heart for a hug." The inside contains thirty little red embroidered hearts with stickums on the back. Lee will take out his Hugger Kit, go around to people and offer them a little red heart in exchange for a hug.

Lee has become so well known for this that he is often invited to keynote conferences and conventions, where he shares his message of unconditional love. At a conference in San Francisco, the local news media challenged him by saying, "It is easy to give out hugs here in the conference to people who self-selected to be here. But this would never work in the real world."

They challenged Lee to give away some hugs on the streets of San Francisco. Followed by a television crew from the local news station, Lee went out onto the street. First he approached a woman walking by. "Hi, I'm Lee Shapiro, the hugging judge. I'm giving out these hearts in exchange for a hug." "Sure," she replied. "Too easy," challenged the local commentator. Lee looked around. He saw a meter maid who was being given a hard time by the owner of a BMW to whom she was giving a ticket. He marched up to her, camera crew in tow, and said, "You look like you could use a hug. I'm the hugging judge and I'm offering you one." She accepted.

The television commentator threw down one final challenge. "Look, here comes a bus. San Francisco bus drivers are the toughest, crabbiest, meanest people in the whole town. Let's see you get him to hug you." Lee took the challenge.

As the bus pulled up to the curb, Lee said, "Hi, I'm Lee Shapiro, the hugging judge. This has got to be one of the most stressful jobs in the whole world. I'm offering hugs to people today to lighten the load a little. Would you like one? The six-foot-two, 230-pound bus driver got out of his seat, stepped down and said, "Why not?"

Lee hugged him, gave him a heart and waved goodbye as the bus pulled out. The TV crew was speechless. Finally, the commentator said, "I have to admit, I'm very impressed."

One day Lee's friend Nancy Johnston showed up on his doorstep. Nancy is a professional clown and she was wearing her clown costume, makeup and all.

"Lee, grab a bunch of your Hugger Kits and let's go out to the home for the disabled."

When they arrived at the home, they started giving out balloon hats, hearts and hugs to the patients. Lee was uncomfortable. He had never before hugged people who were terminally ill, severely retarded or quadraplegic. It was definitely a stretch. But after a while it becarne easier with Nancy and Lee acquiring an entourage of doctors, nurses and orderlies who followed them from ward to ward.

After several hours they entered the last ward. These were 34 of the worst cases Lee had seen in his life. The feeling was so grim it took his heart away. But out of their commitment to share their love and to make a difference, Nancy and Lee started working their way around the room followed by the entourage of medical staff, all of whom by now had hearts on their collars and balloon hats on their heads.

Finally, Lee came to the last person, Leonard. Leonard was wearing a big white bib which he was drooling on. Lee looked at Leonard dribbling onto his bib and said, "Let's go, Nancy, there's no way we can get through to this person." Nancy replied, "C'mon, Lee. He's a fellow human being, too, isn't he?" Then she placed a funny balloon hat on his head. Lee took one of his little red hearts and placed it on Leonard's bib. He took a deep breath, leaned down and gave Leonard a hug.

All of a sudden Leonard began to squeal, "Eeeeehh! Eeeeeehh!" Some of the other patients in the room began to clang things together. Lee turned to the staff for some sort of explanation only to find that every doctor, nurse and orderly was crying. Lee asked the head nurse, "What's going on?"

Lee will never forget what she said: "This is the first time in 23 years we've ever seen Leonard smile."

How simple it is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Dear Lord, help us be the one that makes a difference in the life of somebody today.  Help our eyes be open to those You bring into our life that needs Your love thought us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Grocery Store Hug

John 13:34 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

She was eighty years young and still very active. In this small town in southwest Virginia, not much happened. It was just another empty day for a senior citizen who lived by herself. Although she has four children, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren, she was often alone.

In need of a few small things at the grocery and a desire to just get out of the house and be among people, she took a trip to the local Kroger's. Since there were only her own needs to satisfy, she walked up and down the aisles with a small cart. With just six items, she headed to the checkout.

He wandered the store. He'd come for a cup of hot soup and perhaps someone to talk to. The soup was good, it always was, but no one wanted to talk to an old man.

Disappointed, he was about to leave when he saw her. She headed to the checkout with only a few items.

"Good morning, Ma'am." He smiled, "You can't leave yet?"

She turned toward the voice. A well-dressed man smiled at her. "Excuse me?" She asked.

He pointed to the six items she'd selected. "Your basket is not full."

"There's no need to buy a lot." She replied. "There's no one to eat it."

He stared at her for a moment and said, "I'm so lonely!"

"I know what that's like."

In the middle of an aisle, in a large grocery store, at 11:30 AM, they stood and talked. "My wife and daughter died." He said. "They died too young." His eyes softened as he spoke briefly of them and then added, " I just recently, I lost my little Pomeranian.

She was all I had left. Now I'm alone."

"I'm so sorry." She felt her own eyes moisten. He was as alone as she was.

"It's OK." He said bravely. "I hope I can find another dog like her. She was such a joy. At least someone needed me. She gave me purpose. Now I have none. Perhaps I'll get another, but at my age, I don't want to leave her alone when my time comes. Then again, I have this big house. A dog would be happy there. I've lived in it for fifty years. It has big rooms."

"Oh, the homes were built big back then. It was a time when people had large families." She smiled and wondered where the conversation was going.

"They sure did. This old place has four bedrooms. Three of them are empty. It's just me now." He sighed. "There's not much to do. My days are empty. I do get out as often as I can. In fact, every morning I go to McDonalds for breakfast."

"Good for you!" She said. "I try to get out as much as I can myself."

"Those kids at McDonalds are very nice to me. They always greet me with a smile and make such a fuss over me. They're almost like having grandkids. And you know what?"

"What?"

He leaned close and whispered. "They let me have my coffee for free. What do you think of that?"

"That's wonderful!" She knew the joy it must give him to feel welcomed.

They chatted for perhaps twenty minutes. "Well," she looked into his eyes, which now sparkled with pride over the family he had at McDonalds. "I must be getting home."

"I understand." The sparkle faded. "It was nice talking to you."

"It was nice talking to you too." She touched his hand. "I mean it."

He looked back at her and asked softly, "Can I give you a hug?"

A bit taken by his request, but fully understanding his need, she said, "Yes!"

There they stood, in a warm embrace, in the middle of a busy grocery, on a normal day that was made special by a simple hug.

That evening, she reflected on her encounter with the man. She felt like he did, alone in the world. How many others her age feel the same loneliness? How many seniors just need a kind ear and perhaps a simple hug?

How about reaching out today to somebody who needs a hug.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would share the love to someone who needs it today. Helps us be Your arms today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Somebody Needs Your Hug

1 John 4:7 (New International Version)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Our deeds and words, both good and bad constantly ripple out affecting others in ways we may never see. Although one Canadian woman had the opportunity to see exactly what her actions caused.

At a bus stop in Toronto, Paula observed a woman who appeared distraught and was soon crying. Not accustomed to walking up to strangers and injecting herself into their affairs, Paula was caught off balance by her own thoughts. “That woman needs a hug!”,

“Something in me just pushed at me”, says Paula, “and so I walked up to her and said, you look like you need a hug.”

Gratefully, the stranger accepted the offer.

The two ladies ended up sitting together and through the conversation Paula asked what was happening in the stranger’s life that was tearing at her so.

The woman spoke of the rough times she was experiencing, mentioning her heartache regarding her children. Her son was not only on drugs but was molesting his younger sister.

Paula comforted and offered advice. One of the things she said was, “I take a paper and place a line down the centre. I put on one side all the things that are troubling me and on the other I place all the things I am grateful for. Often I find there are things I can soon move over to the positive side.”

When the two ladies parted, Paula thought she would never see the stranger again. But life moves in strange ways. Paula was out with a friend and happened to spot the stranger in a crowd. She rushed over to say hello and when she did she was astounded by what she discovered.

The stranger was overjoyed to see Paula and was soon explaining her joy. “That day when you saw me I had intended on going home and killing my son, my daughter and myself. Your hug changed my perspective Paula. I felt hope. I went home and I reported my son to the authorities. He was taken away where he could get help. I just want you to know that because you hugged me, I didn’t kill myself, my son or my daughter. With that first single move of getting help for my son, my life began turning around. Today my son is better and is soon to be married. Thank you so very much Paula!”

With that, two sets of eyes filled with moisture and another hug was called for!

Dear Lord we pray that our eyes would be open today for those that need a hug. We thank You for all You do for us help us share that love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The "No Hug" Rule

Ephesians 6:2 (New International Version)

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—

The first day of kindergarten, he hurried to the door Shrugging off his mother's hugs, he didn't need them anymore For he was all grown up now, too big for all that stuff Instead he waved a quick good-bye, hoping that would be enough

Still he couldn't help but look back, as he hurried through the door Seeing tears in his mother's eyes, he waved to her once more And then he left her standing there, with a sad smile upon her face As he ventured onward to a different world, a new exciting place

And when he came home from school that day, she asked what all he'd done He handed her a paper, trees upon its front, and a big round yellow sun A picture quite imperfect, for he'd messed up here and there But she didn't seem to notice, or she didn't seem to care

The first day of Junior High, he hurried to the door Running from his mother's hugs, he didn't want them anymore He ignored her calling out to him, as he hurried down the street Near the intersection, where his friends had planned to meet

He hoped that she would understand, why he had to walk to school Riding with his mother, just wouldn't have been cool But somewhere near the crosswalk, he turned to see her there Standing on the sidewalk, her hand raised up midair

Hastily he coyly waved, then hurried to meet his friends Fighting back the urge, to turn and wave again And when he came home from school, she asked what all he'd done He handed her some papers, with X's marked on more than one

The teacher clearly pointing out, the wrong answers here and there But his mother didn't seem to notice, or she didn't seem to care The first day of senior high, he hurried out the door Jumped into the driver's seat, of his jacked up shiny Ford

He left without his breakfast; he left without a word But he turned and looked back, before pulling from the curb He saw her waving frantically, as he drove away He tapped his horn just once, to brighten up her day

He saw a smile cross her face, and then he drove from sight Onward to a different world, a new exciting life Months came and went, and at the end of every day She would ask about his life, but he had less and less to say

He didn't have the time for talk; she would have to understand He was no longer a little boy; he'd become a man And at his graduation, as tears shone in her eyes He knew the time had come, to bid his Mom good-bye

For he was off to college, off to better days No more rules to abide; alone to find his way

Suitcases filled the trunk, of his dirty beat-up Ford He couldn't wait to get to school, to checkout his room and dorm She opened up his car door, closed it when he got in Then smiled proudly at her son, as tears dropped from her chin

She reached through the open window, wished him luck in school And then she pulled him close to her, and broke the "no hug" rule He felt the freedom greet him, as he pulled onto interstate At last his life was his alone; he anticipated fate

But college life deemed more challenging, than he ever could have hoped There was no time to respond to letters, his mother often wrote He was a grown adult now, too old for all that stuff His visits during holidays, would have to be enough

Besides, midterms were quickly coming, the pressure was immense He often studied late into the night, his need to pass intense And being a man was harder, than he imagined it would be His future was at stake, and all he longed to be

He wondered how he'd manage, how he'd ever cope What if he failed his tests? Would there be no hope? As if he had a calling, he headed down the interstate Driving at full speed, the hour getting late

He pulled up to the curb, where once he used to roam And went through the open door, of his mother's home She was sitting at the table, with a drawing in a frame Memories from the past, that brought both joy and pain

She didn't need to ask, why he was home from school Because she knew the answer, when he broke the "no hug" rule His arms around her tightly, peering at the drawing he had done Lots of trees, imperfect branches, and a big round yellow sun

She smiled a knowing smile, and then she spoke aloud "Son you always did, and you always will, make me very proud For look how far you've traveled, from that little boy so brave Heading off to kindergarten, your hand up in a wave

And through the years you've made mistakes, but son I've made them too Being perfect is not an option; you can only do --- the best that you can do And don't expect more than that, for life is supposed to be fun You've only got one to live, so you must do what is best for you --- son"

Sitting in his dorm room, when the pressure seems too much And all that he is striving for, seems completely out of touch He peers at the drawing, of a big round yellow sun And then he is reminded, of just how far he's come

From childhood to manhood, fighting back many a fear Through trials and tribulations, holding back many a tear Knowing that being successful, isn't passing every test And the only way to falter in life, is by failing to do his best

And the biggest lesson he's learned, one he did not learn in school . . . That it's okay, for even a man, to break the "no hug" rule.

Dear Lord we thank You for our parents and we pray that we would show them the respect and love the deserve. We thank You for all they have done for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who Needs a Hug?

It's wondrous what a hug can do.

A hug can cheer you when you're blue

A hug can say, "I love you so,"

Or, "I hate to see you go."

A hug is "Welcome back again."

And "Great to see you! Where 'er you been?

A hug can soothe a small child's pain

And bring a rainbow after rain.

The hug, there's just no doubt about it --

We scarcely could survive without it!

A hug delights and warms and charms;

It must be why God gave us arms

Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,

Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers;

And chances are your favorite aunts

love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them, puppies love them,

Heads of states are not above them.

A hug can break the language barrier

And make your travel so much merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em;

The more you give, the more there's more of 'em.

So stretch those arms without delay

And give someone a hug today!

Let us take the time to show God’s love around us. Why not look for that one person that needs a hug today?

We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

-1 John 4:19-20 (King James Version)

Dear Lord , we pray that our eyes will be open to those around us and that we will take the time to show love to those who need it. In Jesus’ name, Amen