The Weekly Hug Project

by Sean Dreilinger at Flickr.com

At Seven Oaks’ Ladies’ Night, Cathy Powell pointed out how little physical touch, namely hugs, a widow or widower will receive each week.  Amanda then decided to have our kids hug a widow or widower each Sunday between class and worship.  Physical touch and hugs are so important for all of us as a way of feeling love.  Have you ever thought about how a widow doesn’t have a spouse to give them hugs and other physical touch?  

Many people are touch-deprived. One study found that one-third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis while 75 percent said they wanted more hugs.¹  Researchers suggest that people need 8 hugs a day.  Hugs have been shown to be extremely effective at healing disease, loneliness, sickness, depression, and stress.  There is a saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”²  This may seem a bit high, but I know children need and love getting lots of hugs throughout the day.  Strong marriages are known for consistent hugs and kisses throughout the day, especially when leaving and arriving back to one another.

Because she recognized the power in hugs and the desire of widows for hugs Amanda initiated the “weekly hug project.”  Of course a big reason for this was to teach our children to express love and concern for widows.   They have been able to meet and get to know several in the church.  Amanda simply tells the three older children each a widow or widower to go greet and hug before worship begins.  Sometimes she has to point this brother or sister out, but by now the kids have learned many of them by name.  At first the kids were a bit uncomfortable and she would go with them, but they have done really well with the project and appreciate the love in return. The kids have even received cards in the mail thanking them for the hugs.

I am not sharing this to brag, though I am proud, but to encourage you in two areas.  1) Give more hugs.  Realize the power of physical touch in communicating care, concern, and love.  2) If you have small children consider beginning a “weekly hug project” it will be a blessing for your children and for those they hug.

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¹  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/06/hugging.aspx

²  http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5756/10-Reasons-Why-We-Need-at-Least-8-Hugs-a-Day.html