I am not sure how you feel about a hug, but for me it is just about the most amazing expression of affection.  Whenever I give/receive a hug it is so comforting.

I have been reflecting on past experiences of hugs lately…

I remember when my older brother died about 12 years ago…I was standing in the "receiving line" and my pastor, Gary Lewis, came up to me and embraced me.  I will never forget the feelings that rushed through me; comfort, grief, an almost melting away of the "avoidance" that I was experiencing…I felt utterly loved.  I remember thinking "man is this guy going to let me go?"…well thank God he didn't.

I remember one of the many trips I had taken overseas…this trip started on 9/11 (my connector flight on our way to Kenya landed about the same time the first plane crashed into one of the twin towers.) and I was gone for about 10 days.  When our return flight finally landed at the Atlanta International Airport, I couldn't wait to see Kathryn.  The hug I experienced that day was no less than amazing.  Again, the feeling that I most remember was utter love….not just a physical love, but a supernatural "Jesus" love.  I remember not wanting to let go!!!

I'll never forget the first hug that I remember my dad giving me…I am sure he hugged me before this day, but I can't remember.  Anyway, It was the day my wife, children and I returned after a summer away.  We were in MX and I left a week or two after my brother's funeral…my dad didn't extend his hand for the usually hand shake and "how are you son?"…it was a wonderful hug that again melted me.

Of course, I remember lots of hugs form my mom…she always brings back feelings of comfort, safety and most importantly…love.  Every time I see her, in that moment of her embrace it seems that everything is going to be all right.

I have to say, one of my favorite hugs is when Keighan runs to me with all of her energy, eagerness and unbridled affection…jumps up into to my arms and loves on me.  The 2 hugs that really stick out in my mind were the day I left for the clinic to address my mental health issues…she wouldn't let me go…we just stodd there in our embrace crying...I felt so very loved.   The other was the day, four weeks later; when I returned from the clinic…her hug was so warm, soft, safe, energetic and authentic.

There are so many other hugs that stand out to me…I find myself simply crying as a result of the love each one brings to mind.

Soooo…go out and give out some authentic hugs.  You will bless people more than they will probably admit and more than you can even imagine!!!

Please follow this link to "YouTube".  The video is awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4