A big part of my new job is to build relationships with many people. In the past 4 months I have met so many new people! Going around to each city and meeting the teachers face to face really helps to build those positive relationships. I suppose I could have just been “friends” with them on social media and “chatted” with them through texting, but how well would I know the person? I need context: where do they live? How do they relate to me or to others? I enjoy hearing them laugh or seeing their other mannerisms. And they get to know me better live and in person.
Throughout all of these travels as I sit waiting for my flights or on the subway system, I have this unique perspective to observe people. As I watch, I see so many people trying to connect with others on their phones. As a world we are missing connection. Phone calls, texting, messaging, and social media, role-playing games–none of these things provide the contact that we so desperately need. I can be surrounded by people and never actually connect or talk to them. Virginia Satir, a noted family therapist, once stated, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Can you imagine what she might say about our detached society today? We need real people and physical connection from others. So many people in today’s world can go about their daily lives never having any physical connection with another live person. Even the evidence from neuroscience indicates that people need to feel safe and have unconditional loving relationships for healing. In so many ways we have exactly what the world needs. God created us to need others in our lives. He also tells us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel [good news of that unconditional loving relationship] to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV). Take a look around at the people you see. Do you see the need there for unconditional loving relationships? Maybe you need this too. Only God can provide this type of relationship. He loves you!
What a great opportunity this has created for us. People need hugs and real relationships. We know of the perfect loving relationship that everyone needs.
Okay, now everyone go hug some people! Get to know them face to face and talk to them about the God who loves them.
Here am I, send me 
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