Hugs

Let Them Release First

/ johngregoryjr / Leave a comment

I don’t recall where or who I heard say this about hugs, but it has stuck with me.

To be a great hugger, let them release first.

Those of us who are not naturally big on hugging no matter the reason can, however, practice being great at hugging.

Got some practice yesterday after church.

One of the men who got baptized crossed my path after the service. We’ve hardly spoken in the past. Just some eye contact and short head nods while I’m playing the keyboard and he’s within spitting distance in the audience.

When he saw me coming, he came in for a hug. The Spirit whispered, “Hang on ’til he’s done.”

We didn’t say much. The embrace was plenty.

God shows his glory all day long. Even in hugs.

Photo by Alex Gallegos on Unsplash

A Publix Hug

/ johngregoryjr / 2 Comments

This weekend has had some pretty cool moments:

  • Friday: A couple of hours at an elementary school celebrating the first quarter results of student’s and teacher’s hard work
  • Yesterday: A couple of hours celebrating the 86-year life of a church member
  • Today: A couple of hours praying with, singing alongside of, and listening to the body of Christ

As good as those hours were, the coolest moment lasted probably less than a minute. And of all places, in a Publix parking lot.

As I walked to my car, I thought I recognized the boy getting out of the car parked beside mine. I was pretty sure he was one of the students from the celebration I attended at the school on Friday where he was recognized for making the Principal’s list and also won a drawing for a new bike and helmet.

I decided not to just wonder and move on, so I said to his dad, “Excuse me. Does your son go to Ballard Elementary?”

“Yes.”

“Did he make the Principal’s list and win a bike on Friday and had on a yellow outfit?”


“Yes.”

“I thought that was you.”

“Yeah, what a shock to see him come out of school with a bike.”

To this point his son hadn’t said a word. In fact, he never did. He did something better. When he recognized me, he walked straight to me and gave me a hug.

This isn’t the first time this school year that a Ballad student has spontaneously given me a hug. These Ballard kids get it. They don’t make big scenes. They respond genuinely, with no fear, showing all their thankful, grateful, and humble heart.

I’m working on being more like them. A Publix hug certainly jolts the motivation and inspiration.