We have all had those moments in life where we are in need; the need for human contact, love with skin on. Our world may be in shambles, we may have just lost a loved one, our job, a friend. So many things can cause us to feel alone, sometimes even in a crowded room. I have felt those moments more often than I want to admit. It is a horrible feeling that sweeps over you. Sometimes in the middle of a conversation, you can still feel lonely. I think sometimes this happens because we need touch, a touch from someone. There is something healing and refreshing when someone touches you in a gesture of understanding or love that changes everything.

I can remember when I was experiencing a time of great heartache; I had received advice, words of encouragement, speeches even about how to get myself back on track, but I did not need those things at that moment, what I wanted and needed was just a touch. I needed love with skin on. It was then a friend came up to me and all she did was lay her hand on my back and grab one of my hands with her other hand and she just stayed there while I cried silent tears, while my heart raced and my head pounded, she was my calm in the storm. The reassurance that I was not alone and that she would stay as long as needed.

I remember the feel of her warm hands. She gently rubbed my hand with her thumb, but it registered in my being. I felt loved, I felt cared for, I felt secure. And I knew I was not alone. God had sent her my way when I needed her the most. She did not say a word to me, she just stayed until the tears stopped and I was quiet. Afterward, she started out of the room we were in and turned and said to me that if I needed anything all I had to do was call.

God knows all that we have need of and knows and understands that sometimes we need love with skin on, so he sends someone our way to let us know that he with us and knows and understands this need. I want to be the kind of friend that does not always have to have words. I want to reach out with my whole heart and love someone with just a touch when they need it most.

God promises to protect us and to help us, often times I believe it is through others that he sends that he fulfills these promises.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 46:1 ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 91:1-2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most- High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Yes, God is faithful and God always sends just what or who we need with exactly what we need at our time of need and sometimes it is love with skin on…no words needed!