There
are many things that I take for granted; a roof over my head, a car that drives
me places, food on the table and clothes that fit me. Daily things like taking a shower, eating
breakfast somewhat leisurely, spending time meditating on God’s word and
worshipping Him. I have friends that are
a wonderful support for me and my husband. A church body, who are really like
another family to us. I have
opportunities to run (if my knees don’t give out), walk, have coffee with old
friends, new friends, and laughing together.
I see God working in all of these everyday things.
I
met a man whose name is Randal. He is in
a wheelchair, due to a severe stroke he had because he overdosed and was in a
coma for quite a while. I heard his
story one evening while I was with a group down in Olympia for a Crazy Faith
Feed. Three of us were across the street
at the transit station just talking and praying with people before the feed
began. It was so rainy, windy and cold. It’s
just crazy weather that comes in November here in western Washington.
Randal
is probably in his 50’s. His whole left
side is paralyzed from a stroke and he can’t smile. The muscles in his face
are paralyzed by the stroke that he had.
He had been in a coma for quite some time and apparently the medical
staff weren’t sure if he’d even wake up.
Well, he did. Since that time, he has done some therapy and works
part-time in a special program. He has
also gotten to know God, at a certain level.
It wasn’t clear to me where he was in his relationship with God, but he
knew who God was.
What
touched my heart was when I asked Randal if I could pray for him. He said yes.
Then he said, “But, I can’t smile.”
I looked at him and said, “That’s ok.
You smile in your eyes.” His eyes
got even brighter! So, I prayed a
blessing over him. I asked God to
restore to him what was taken. Said
amen, and was about to leave, when Holy Spirit stopped me. I clearly heard Holy Spirit say, “ Hug him.” I looked at Randal and said, “Randal, may I
give you a hug?” He said, “Yes, but I
can’t smile.” So, I bent down and gave
Randal a hug.
One
would think that a simple gesture like a hug would be easy. But, this time it was so different. As I bent down and wrapped my arms around
Randal, I sensed that Jesus’ arms were my arms wrapping Himself around
Randal. As I hugged him, the hug went
deeper. Randal grasped my one arm with
his good hand and held on. The hug went
even deeper. I could feel the Presence
of God around us. This was amazing. I have no idea how long that hug really was,
but it seemed like a very long time.
I
broke apart, and looked into Randal’s eyes and he said to me,” I can’t
smile. I haven’t been hugged in 14
years.” His eyes were moist with tears
and so were mine. Fourteen years is a
very long time to not have any intimate human touch. So, Jesus hugged Randal. Through me, Jesus used my ordinary arms to
hug another human being craving human touch.
Jesus. He knew what Randal needed
right at that moment; a hug. I was there
and Jesus knows that I love to hug people.
You know what? I gave Randal
another hug! It was just like the first
one. And again, Randal says, “I can’t
smile.” “But, Randal”, I said, “You are
smiling. I see it in your eyes. Jesus gave you that hug because He loves you and knew you needed it.”
I
left there and had that whole encounter in my thoughts the rest of the
evening. You know, the simplest things
sometimes are the most needed. I am
blessed for having the opportunity to hug Randal. That made a great impact on me. In fact, I count that to be probably the best
GIFT I have ever given and received back. I think mostly because of the deepness of what happened. I could FEEL Jesus' arms in mine as I gave that hug. It wasn't just His presence, it was Him working my arms.
This
holiday season, we rush around trying to get so many things accomplished for
whatever reason. I encourage each of you
to maybe, stop and look around you. Ask
Holy Spirit, “Who needs a hug from Jesus today?
May I be His arms?” It will
change your life as well as the person you give the hug to.
