October 4
Scripture: John 11:35
Source author: Steven Thompson
October 14
A Gentle Pat And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. —Luke 22:51
Church was the last place I wanted to be that Sunday morning. I was suffering a bout of deep depression. Though I don’t recall the circumstances surrounding my dark mood, I do recall how drained and blue I felt as I walked up the steps to the foyer outside our church’s sanctuary. I was stopped by someone and stood listening to him when Harold, an elder from our church, stopped to join the conversation. He greeted us with his shy smile and gentle words. He only stayed a couple of moments, standing next to me. Then as he turned to leave he gently patted me on the back. I can’t explain exactly what happened in that short moment, except his light touch on my back brought a great sense of affirmation. That simple pat encouraged and energized me, and the depression I had been experiencing faded. I still think of the results of that simple gesture of kindness and recognize the great power that comes from an affirming touch.
A gentle, sincere touch has as much healing power as mighty spoken words. — Steven Thompson —