[picapp align=”left” wrap=”true” link=”term=touch&iid=4915429″ src=”3/e/f/e/Amazing_Me_0ce5.jpg?adImageId=10615743&imageId=4915429″ width=”234″ height=”185″ /]Has someone ever comforted you by standing next to you putting their arm around your shoulder while saying nothing?  Ever been nearly knocked down by a friend who playfully bumped into you?  Ever had someone place a cool washcloth and your fevered forehead? Ever had someone wipe a teardrop off your cheek? Ever received an unexpected, but not unwanted, hug?

In the past century academia produced nearly innumerable studies venerating the value of human touch.  Even though the summary of this information is readily available our culture is growing more and more touch adverse.  From my point of view, it seems that touch is regulated to sexual suggestiveness or to sexual predators. What happened to unsullied, supportive touch?  Can the Christian rightly follow this tide out to the sea of separation?

I think not.

The Word become flesh, when confronted by a culturally and physically “untouchable” did not rely on his authority to speak disease away.

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out HIs hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1.41, NASB)

My friends at Main Street will be celebrating being Cherished in this manner this upcoming weekend.