The Goodness of Touch
Amidst the prevalent discourse on the abuse of touch, it’s easy to feel apprehensive about physical contact. However, research is uncovering the profound role of appropriate touch in soothing the nervous system and enhancing mental well-being. Think about the warmth of a friend’s hug, the reassurance of holding a loved one’s hand, or the connection forged through a simple handshake. These instances of physical touch dispel feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
In the famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, God reaches down to Adam with all His godly might while Adam holds his arm up to God with seemingly lackluster effort. Commentators note that by simply straightening his fingers, Adam could complete the connection. There is an energy in that painting of wanting the fingers to touch. As onlookers, we long for the connection because we recognize what can happen through that touch. We are no longer isolated, alone, and abandoned, but we have a connection with the creator of the universe.
There is a reason mothers scoop up their crying babies, holding them close to their chests, and fathers take the hands of toddlers and walk them safely across intersections. Touch communicates that we are in this together and that you are not alone. We never lose this need for safe touch, no matter how old we get. But as we age, many of us may push loving contact away with fierce independence, thinking we do not need nor want help.
When we experience appropriate touch, research shows that it can significantly alleviate feelings of depression, anxiety, and psychological numbness. It brings us back to a state of balance, where we can respond to triggers with more measured reactions rather than automatic fight, flight, or freeze responses. This understanding of the power of touch is not new. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, ”It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” God created us to be in connection. Even in the New Testament, Jesus chooses to work with twelve disciples, recognizing the strength and power in connection.
Think about how often Jesus heals the sick and raises the dead by touching them (e.g., Matthew 8:3, 15; Matthew 9:20, 29; Matthew 17:7; 20:34; Mark 8:54). Yet, we know from the story of Lazarus that Jesus can raise the dead without touching a body. Why, then, does Jesus use touch in so many stories? Perhaps he wants us to see that touch breaks down barriers between self and others. On a day when touching the sick meant becoming unclean yourself, Jesus redeems touch to bring healing and restoration.
Inappropriate touch abuses, demeans, and demoralizes humanity. This touch makes people feel small, like property, and of little value. Indeed, people leave organized religion when wolves violate their bodies in places where they should be safe. But the touch that heals, restores, welcomes, and connects people is a gift God provides for our good. It is a goodness of touch that Diana Ross sings about in the song Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand), and these lyrics serve as an excellent reminder to us all:
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Come worship with us at Connections Church, Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Our desire is to connect you with God, the creator of the Universe; Jesus, his only son, our Lord and Savior; and the Holy Spirit, who will never leave you and serves as a reminder of all God has promised. As a community, we seek to break down barriers that make us feel isolated and foster fellowship that leads to belonging.
Erin M. Reynolds, Ph.D.
linkedin.com/in/drerinmreynolds
Friend of Connections Church
