“I need a hug.”
Years ago, I took my niece and nephew to see the original "Shrek" movie. They loved it, so I loved it too. But honestly, I loved it for myself. My favorite moment was when Donkey, Shrek’s lovable, happy-go-lucky sidekick and voice of unfiltered truth, said, “I need a hug.” Something in that line struck me deeply. Sometimes, honestly, we all just need a simple, reassuring hug.
Today, I came across something that brought me back to that moment. I read, “When you put your hand on your chest, it lights up the same parts of your brain as when you get a hug.” Instantly, I pictured my hand over my heart, like pledging allegiance to the flag - a noble gesture of dedication. But today, I tried something different. I put my hand on my heart and pledged allegiance to my own soul. I let those “hug parts” of my brain light up and embrace my Whole, holy being. May I live as a soul-infused presence in the world, like a constant hug - a walking expression of holy communion. Today, I needed that hug. Maybe you do too. So, place your hand on your heart and let yourself be held in the sacred embrace of Love itself. God is love. And so are you.
Hand on heart. Repeat as necessary. Big hug!
Rev. Darlene Strickland
Years ago, I took my niece and nephew to see the original "Shrek" movie. They loved it, so I loved it too. But honestly, I loved it for myself. My favorite moment was when Donkey, Shrek’s lovable, happy-go-lucky sidekick and voice of unfiltered truth, said, “I need a hug.” Something in that line struck me deeply. Sometimes, honestly, we all just need a simple, reassuring hug.
Today, I came across something that brought me back to that moment. I read, “When you put your hand on your chest, it lights up the same parts of your brain as when you get a hug.” Instantly, I pictured my hand over my heart, like pledging allegiance to the flag - a noble gesture of dedication. But today, I tried something different. I put my hand on my heart and pledged allegiance to my own soul. I let those “hug parts” of my brain light up and embrace my Whole, holy being. May I live as a soul-infused presence in the world, like a constant hug - a walking expression of holy communion. Today, I needed that hug. Maybe you do too. So, place your hand on your heart and let yourself be held in the sacred embrace of Love itself. God is love. And so are you.
Hand on heart. Repeat as necessary. Big hug!
Rev. Darlene Strickland