Dare To Hug #356 - Copy

Dare To Hug #356

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In our family, there are huggers and non-huggers. Some tense up, while others hug back. Why is that? Why do the non-huggers guard themselves when the huggers don’t? Another example of a hugger and a non-hugger occurs when my friend and former boss says, “Bring it in,” and I immediately say, “No.” The thing about him, though, is that he is always in a good mood and usually smiling, so maybe there is something to this hugging thing. I ask myself, “I love hugging my grandkids, but why not others? Am I missing something?” Or even deeper, “Do I secretly want a hug but just too afraid to get or give it?”

Today, I want to challenge us to open the door to what’s possible and allow ourselves to hug. We know that simple hugs generate positive emotions when we see them on TV, in movies, or on YouTube, especially when people reunite. So doesn’t it make sense that we practice what warms our hearts on the screen in real life?

On the contrary, a person can suffer negative effects of not giving or receiving hugs. I’ve known and respected a man for over 40 years. We weren't friends and had even been adversaries. Unfortunately, he passed away, and as I drove by his house, I thought I would have liked to hug him one time. We could’ve set aside a lot of differences with one embrace, and now that opportunity is gone.

Additionally, there’s not a person alive who doesn’t wish they could have one more hug from someone who’s passed away, but can’t. I’m one of those. To help us overcome that future feeling of remorse or regret, why don’t we try hugging the next person we interact with or a family member when they’re saying goodbye? We should take advantage of the hug while we still can because you never know if you’ll get another one.

The truth about a hug is that the second you open your arms, you are welcoming that person into your space and letting them know that you accept them just as they are. A hug can say, “I forgive you,” without saying a word. It dismantles hard feelings and rebuilds the broken bridge in the relationship. A strong hug can let the person know, “I feel your pain, see what you’re going through, and we’ll get through this together." Lastly, a hug takes surrender. The giver and the receiver of a hug need to surrender their pride for it to happen. Surrender brings peace.

I also believe that everyone longs to receive the ultimate hug from Jesus Christ one day. There will be no greater feeling than seeing His open arms welcoming you into His presence. But what if He asks you, “Who did you hug and show love to on my behalf? Tell me five people you hugged when you didn’t want to, but your heart knew they needed it?” It’s not what you did, but who you hugged. So if we want a welcoming hug from the Lord, then shouldn’t we be rehearsing that now?

God’s Spirit of love is in you because you’re His child so you can either embrace that and reflect it in a hug. Or you can rebel against it and avoid hugs altogether. That’s your choice but just remember there are no hugs in isolation and one day you’ll need a hug and can’t find one.

In conclusion, if you want to live a legacy of love, grace and acceptance that will never be forgotten then start with a hug. Set aside your reservations and your pride and see what comes from that hug. You may be surprised. Eventually when people think of your name, they’ll say, “He/she always gave me a hug, I wish I could have one more.” Not a bad way to be remembered.

So if you want to live a legacy that’s remembered for generations then start with hug. To learn more visit, lighthouselegacies.com and listen to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.