A TOUCH

A couple of weeks ago, after undergoing major surgery, I encountered something very profound and special that I’d like to share with you. As I woke up in the ICU, I felt a distinct calm amid the normal disorientation. I realized that my nurse was holding my hand and was present to address my every need. I thanked her for that healing touch. She then told me she notices that same sense of calmness in most of her post-op patients each time she provides that touch. It was a human touch, yet it truly was a touch of God. What an angel!

Someone once said, "Of all the gifts we can give to people, the gift of our touch is one of the most priceless. Through our hands we convey a kind of radiance. A warmth seeps out from our inner fire, a wrap for someone's chill, a light for another's dark."

“The touch of God, in essence, is God’s power contacting us to influence or change our lives. He could touch our bodies, hearts, or even circumstances; this divine touch can occur as we receive the Word, pray or when someone ministers to us.”

I love hugs and have come to love prayers said with laying on of hands – the TOUCH. But not everyone likes to be touched or hugged. I like to think that they still feel and share God’s touch and presence in other ways.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  - Leo Buscaglia

I’ve been on the St. Luke’s prayer list since my first cancer diagnosis in April. THANK YOU!

I have felt your touch. I have felt your prayers. I have felt God’s presence. I have received many blessings of love, friendships, care and healing. The power of prayer. The power of the human touch. The power and healing of God the Almighty. Thanks be to God. Let us all continue to share the gift of the human touch in whatever form that it is.

​Alanna Teragawa, Bells of Praise Director

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