A Healing Touch

Last week, while working at the clinic, I went into the dispensary to ask the Manageress a question. I greeted the client sitting in there, and shook her hand. Immediately I was told, "Don't touch her hand, she has leporsy on it." I was surprised, not at the leporsy because it is common here, but what seemed to be a lack of compassion. Maybe in my case "ignorance is bliss." I couldn't help but think of the numerous times Jesus reached out to the untouchables of His day. He didn't carry hand sanitizer in His pocket, He didn't run to wash His hands - at least we are not told He did. What we do know is that much to the dislike of His disciples, Jesus touched many, many people who must have longed for a human touch, a healing touch. The human touch is comforting, it lets us know someone is with us and that they care. When babies are exposed to the human touch they grow up to be more confident and less "clingy," it is easier for them to become their own person. If that can happen to a child, imagine what a positive touch can do to an adult, especially one whom people are afraid to touch! It gives them dignaty, it communicates care and, in a small way, passes on the love of Christ.