Union And Communion

Union and Communion

If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.

Matthew 9:21, NIV

A woman named Brigitte Gerney was trapped beneath a thirty-five-ton collapsed construction crane in New York City for six hours. Throughout her ordeal, she held the hand of one of three police officers, who stayed by her side as heavy machinery moved the tons of twisted steel from her crushed legs. A stranger’s touch gave her hope and the will to live.

Think about that. A simple act of holding another person’s hand—even as a stranger—can be a lifesaver. Scientists have studied the value of human touch and have found amazing results from such a simple display of care. It turns out that human touch is one of the most powerful communication tools. From a mother’s cradling embrace to a friend’s comforting hug or a spouse’s caress, touch has the special power to send messages of union and communion. Even a momentary and seemingly incidental touch on your partner’s shoulder or hand can strengthen the marital bond by conveying affirmation, comfort, and security.

By the way, both the “toucher” and the “touchee” receive emotional and physiological benefits, scientists say. Stacks of research, for example, have shown that a gentle touch or hug can cause a speeding heart to quiet, soaring blood pressure to drop, and severe pain to ease. A study at UCLA estimated that if some “type-A driven” men would hug their wives several times each day, it would increase their life spans by almost two years, not to mention the way it would improve their marriages. That same study reported that eight to ten meaningful touches each day help us maintain emotional and physical health.

Of course, this isn’t earth-shattering news if you’re a student of Scripture. Early on, the Bible shows the value of physical touch as a communication of a blessing (see Genesis 27:26; 48:9-14). In the Old Testament, the people laid their hands on the Levites to demonstrate that they were setting them apart for their priestly duties (Numbers 8:10). Moses laid his hands on Joshua to symbolize that he was giving Joshua authority over the people (Numbers 27:18). And Jesus, of course, was a master of communicating love through touch: “Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mark 10:16).

So consider the value of meaningful touch to your marriage. When was the last time you enjoyed the simple pleasure of holding hands? After all, if a stranger’s touch meant life to Brigitte Gerney, think of what a meaningful touch from you can do for your spouse.

Do not try to get the jar off my head, because it hurts when you pull. Please simply sit next to me and hold my hand, and the jar will come off itself.

—Winnie the Pooh