Touch

Michelangelo visioned the power of touch as he depicted the Heavenly Father about to give life to the first person, Adam.  A few years ago, Dr. James Coan, a neuroscientist at the University of Virginia conducted a landmark study on the significant impact of touch.  Sixteen happily married women, in the presence of their husbands, were subjected to an uncomfortable, but mild, electric shock.  Dr. Coan noticed that there were physiological changes in the brains of the women when their husbands held their hands prior to the discomforting shock.  The areas of the brain that had become active during periods of fear, danger and threat were found to quickly subside at the touch of a loved one's hand.  This effect was also found to occur even at the touch of a stranger, although to a lesser degree.   With the touch of a hand, the women became more calm and had less anxiety.

Children with significant disabilities know fear, danger and threat all too well.  Young people of Autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, Fragile X, Cerebral Palsy, Bi-polar disorders and other disabilities are very often uncomfortable where ever they go.  They experience much anxiety as familiar surroundings become unfamiliar.   Loud sharp sounds are terrifying.  An unexpected change in the day's routine can cause extreme worry to the point of trauma.   Summer's heat is unbearable.  Blinking lights can cause seizures.  My son, Jesse, who has severe Autism, is always worrying that he is going to trip or stumble even in his own familiar home.  For many of these children, the outside world is an intimidating and worrisome place.

For this reason, every Worship For All service includes a "hands-on" blessing.  It is our version of integrative care.  Jesus specifically asked the disciples to allow parents to bring their children to him so that he might lay his hands on them and pray for them. (Matthew 19:13-14)  We, as well, want to provide comfort for all who join us to celebrate the Lord.  By name, each child is touched on the shoulder, knee or even their shoe.  Volunteers and the care giving professionals also receive a blessed touch!  The blessing is announced ahead of time so that the children can know what to expect.  Most blessings ask God to take away worry, fear or confusion.  We ask the Lord to help the child to be calm, happy and to have "fun this week".

Our most memorable blessing occurred when one teenage boy with Cerebral Palsy asked if he could say the blessing for everyone.  This was unplanned.  It was not discussed ahead of time.  We were excited to say "Yes" to him!  After all, we do strive for participation at our Worship For All services.  To our amazement, the boy in his walker, went around the room, placed his hand on each of us and prayed wonderful blessings on us all! 


On March 19th, the Fox channel will air the new television sci-fi series "Touch".  Kiefer Sutherland plays Martin Bohm, a loving father to a 10 year old boy with Autism.  Martin's son, Jake, played by David Mazouz, has extraordinary command of numbers.  He also has the power to connect random numbers to dramatic future events.  Although mute, Jake is a conduit for how certain numbers are going to touch the lives of the characters in the show.

The first episode of "Touch" was enjoyable.  I look forward to watching the fantasy series.  The premise reminds us that we are all connected.  However, we are not connected by fate-powered numbers.  What connects us is that we have all been touched by God's love (as revealed by His son, Jesus) and all of us are built with the need to worship Him.

This is the daily Worship For All blog.  It has a heavenly ending.

Next up:  "Be Mine!"