Our Father’s Touch

Posted on June 11, 2007
Filed Under Life, Love, Ministry, Faith, Friendship |

“That was a Jerome pat,” Marc’s mom said as he walked past her lightly touching her shoulder. “Huh? I asked. “His father used to touch me like that,” she explained nostalgically.

A little history here: Marc’s mom and dad divorced while we were still in middle school. In addition, Marc’s father, Jerome, passed away several years ago.

“That was a Jerome pat.”

Marc couldn’t have known as he, very absent mindedly, reached for Barbara that his touch would create a moment of tender remembrance for her. He was just extending his hand as a show of affection and acknowledgement, but his touch reached far beyond just Barbara’s shoulder and into her heart. It probably took her back to times before a heart attack called Jerome away from this life and into the next. She probably thought about when they were young and first dating and his touch . . .that touch sent shivers up her spine. A simple touch was all it was – but there was love and sweetness in it, and it bore the resemblance of the touch of his father.

We are, as we go about our day to day living and as we move in and out of relationships, constantly touching the lives of those around us. From the passing smile that floats between us and the grocery clerk to the long embraces that linger with those we love most, we touch.

I’ve decided that I want my touch to resemble my Father’s. I want the “hand” I extend to my family, friends, co-workers and the mailman to be full of love, acceptance, grace, and forgiveness. I also want to receive that touch from others.

I pray tenderness in our touch today. I pray gentleness as we reach out to the world around us. And, most of all, I pray that we touch with intention . . . because somebody needs your touch.

Mark 6:56And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole Walters