Cracked, Broken, Wounded

 I would like to share one of my favorite videos from http://spiritclips.com/films/tcp entitled, "The Cracked Pot".  I find the message of the story very deep and meaningful.  At some point in our lives, we can relate to the feeling of being cracked, wounded, lost, and useless.  In the midst of all these unpleasant experiences in life, we fail to see our value and feel sorry for ourselves.  We lose sight of our purpose and wallow in self-pity.  This is a very difficult situation to be in.  However, life does not stop here.

This brings me to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness."  I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.  Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Feeling weak and insufficient is normal.  The challenge is on how to respond during these difficult seasons in our lives.  This is a defining moment for all of us.  Others choose to be bitter, angry, and believe that they cannot do something to change the future.  Others choose to be positive, persevere, and believe that they have the power within them to change the future.  Others choose to hold on to their faith, surrender themselves, and believe that God knows what is best for them in the future.

The Power of Touch

1. Healing Power

During the time of Jesus and the disciples, touch has always been associated with healing from serious diseases and sickness.  We can read it in the bible.

Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” — Matthew 8:14-17

When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. — Luke 4:40

So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. — Mark 8:23-25

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction. — Mark 1:40-45

And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. — Acts 28:8-9

Even today, researches has been made showing close association between health and touch. In one study about the health of babies born too early, it was found out that if parents can hold their babies, they grow up much healthier.  Another study done on babies with HIV showed that those who were held and touched gained weight and cried less.  Children experiencing positive touch grow and learn better.

In another study about Alzheimer's disease patients, results showed that touching patients can have huge effects on getting them relax, make emotional connections with others, and reduce symptoms of depression.

Even with pregnant women, massage therapy reduces pain and alleviates depression for women and spouses.

2.   Boost Performance

Social psychologists from the University of California-Berkeley analyzed 90 hours of televised professional basketball play.  They found out that the team that touch the most wins because touch instills trust and spreads good will.  Touch like high five, hugs, pat on the back, and high flying shoulder bumps results to more encouragement.

Another research was conducted by educators and the French psychologist, Nicolas Gueguen, found out that when teachers pat students in a friendly way, these students are three times likely to speak up in class.  In another study, it was discovered that when librarians pat the hand of a student borrowing books, the student is more likely to come back.

3. Language of Compassion, Trust, and Generosity

Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor in University of California-Berkeley, claimed that touch is our primary language of compassion, and a primary means for spreading compassion.  Several studies suggest that touch is important in human communication, bonding, and health.  It signals safety, trust, and has a soothing effect leading to more cooperation with others.