MessagesofLove_YouNeedaHug

Welcome to The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory Women's Ministries Website

Women’s Ministries Programs

Theme:

“Messages of Love”

You Need a Hug!

Kareen Nicholls

Fellowship—February 2008

Song, “Home League Hugs”

Start the program by singing the following song to the tune “Cuddle Up a Little Closer.”

Gathering at Home League here we are again, Sharing lots of smiles and hugs with all our friends. Just can’t think of nothin’ better, Even if it’s cloudy weather,

It’s always good to get together With Home League friends.

Share a Hug Program

This is a program of participation. The leader gives the name of the hug and asks volunteers to demonstrate it. She then describes it and everyone is invited to practice it.

The A–Frame Hug—the length of time spent in this hug is usually brief, since this is often a hello or good–by greeting. The underlying feeling may be one of polite caring or detached warmth. Because it is relatively non–threatening, it’s comfortable for shy, unpracticed huggers. This hug is for new acquaintances, professional colleagues, or situations that require a degree of formality.

The Sandwich Hug—is a hug for three. It gives the one in the middle an especially secure feeling, which is helpful if she or he is going through a difficult time. This hug is for three friends or a couple wishing to comfort someone. It’s used between two parents and a child, no matter the age.

The Grabber–Squeezer Hug—holds the record for brevity. One hugger runs up and throws her arms about another, giving a fast squeeze before letting go, then dashes off. Feelings vary with the situation, but often the grabber–squeezer is accompanied by a sense of affectionate distraction because one or both of the huggers are rushed.

The Group Hug—popular for good friends sharing an activity or project. The group forms a circle—its members standing as close together as possible, arms around shoulders or waists—and squeeze. Besides good feelings of support, security and affection, group hugs often impart a sense of unity and universal belonging.

The Side–to–Side Hug—is a great hug to get and give while walking together. This is also a playful hug for those moments when you are standing in line with a friend. It provides a joyful moment while walking to a bus, down a hallway, on a hike or waiting to get into a movie.

The Back to Front Hug—is the perfect hug to give someone who is peeling potatoes, scrubbing pans over a kitchen sink, or otherwise engaged in some stand–up chore. The feeling behind it is supportive and happy. These hugs are for househusbands, housewives and other family members.

The Cheek Hug—is a very tender, gentle hug that often has a spiritual quality. Press the sides of your faces together, cheek to cheek. The cheek hug often stirs deep feelings of kindness, especially when participants are close friends. A cheek hug is for greeting an elderly friend or relative. It can project a wordless, “I’m sorry about your disappointment.” Or it might show a friend’s joy at a happy occasion.

The Heart–Centered Hug—begins with eye contact as the two huggers stand facing each other. The hug is firm, yet gentle. There is no time limit. It is full, lingering, caring and tender, open and genuine, supportive and strong. This hug feels right when a daughter expresses her deep appreciation and love to her mother—possibly on her wedding day. Or when you share a very special experience with a friend. It’s when husbands and wives share that special moment together.

The Custom Tailored Hug—is the most effective hug for you. It’s the hug that feels right, considering the setting, the situation, the one you are with and what you personally need

from the hug.

Devotions

Holy Embraces

Hugs are not only nice to get, they are needed. They can help to relieve pain and alleviate depression. Hugging makes you feel good, eases tension, provides stretching exercises if you are short, and stooping exercises if you are tall. Hugging does not upset the environment, saves heat, is portable, requires no special equipment, makes happy days happier and impossible days possible. A hug can make the healthy healthier, the happy happier, and the secure among us even more so.

Hug therapy is not free. The fee for hugging is to risk that our hugs will be rebuffed or misinterpreted. When we take that risk, we affirm our wonderful ability to share. As we reach out and touch others, we are free to discover the compassion, along with the capacity of joy, that exist in all of us.

Peter wrote a letter to the Jewish Christians who had been persecuted, driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor. In it he assured them that God was watching over them and knew exactly where they were. Peter told them that the Holy Spirit works in each of them, offering comfort and hope, especially during times of persecution. Peter knew persecution firsthand. He had been beaten, jailed and often threatened. But he knew Christ and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. In this context he gives comfort and hope and urges continued loyalty in Christ. At the end of his letter he includes loving greetings to all who will receive this letter, which includes believers today. “Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you—to all who walk in Christ’s ways” (1 Peter 5:14, The Message).

It is as if Peter is saying, “don’t wait for the perfect moment, give hugs whenever you get the chance.” Encourage one another with holy embraces. And remember, you are not only a dispenser of hugs, but a recipient too.