What’s something you do completely differently from how you were raised?

I grew up with parents from the Silent Generation. Children were loved but taught their place…and that was typically not in the living room where the grown folks were. My parents gave me Godly values, a strong work ethic, and an amazing education. That education not only included school but vacations and extracurricular activities that formed and shaped the creative, compassionate and highly spirited individuals my brother and I have become.

But…
We didn’t hug much. It just wasn’t a thing my parents did. And at the time they could not have known that they gave life to a daughter that loves hugs! I am now, and always have been, a hugger.

Hugs do so many affirming, comforting things for people. Hugging allows us the softest and most loving way to cocoon someone to us…establishing intimacy and support. There are wonderful spiritual aspects to hugging as well. Some of these verses feel like a big, warm hug.

In Isaiah 66:13, God says to us, “as a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you…”

In Mark 10:16 the scripture says that Jesus “took the children in His arms and blessed them.”

And Isaiah 41:10 says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Feels good, doesn’t it?

Well, please let me state that my parents loved me dearly…they just weren’t huggers. I don’t fault them for that. I never felt neglected. But my love language is to encourage and comfort…and hugging is the simplest, most effective way to do that, in my opinion. So…

If you love someone…give them a hug. It’ll help you as much as it helps them.

Blessings…vw1.