Hello ,
No more convincing evidence of the absence of parental affection exists than that compiled by
Rene Spitz. In a South American orphanage, Spitz observed and recorded what happened to 97 children who were deprived of emotional and physical contact with others. Because of a lack of funds, there was not enough staff to adequately care for these children, ages 3 months to 3 years old. Nurses changed diapers and fed and bathed the children. But there was little time to hold, cuddle, and talk to them as a mother would. After three months many of them showed signs of
abnormality.
Besides a loss of appetite and being unable to sleep well, many of the children lay with a vacant expression in their eyes. After five months, serious deterioration set in. They lay whimpering, with troubled and twisted faces. Often, when a
doctor or nurse would pick up an infant, the little would scream in terror.
Twenty seven, almost one third, of the children died the first year, but not from lack of food or health care. They died of a lack of touch and emotional nurture. Because of
this, seven more died the second year. Only twenty one of the 97 survived, most suffering serious psychological damage. (1)
Human touch can be such an incredible and healing power for good. I recall being in a hospital emergency room, suited up in that
ridiculous gown, fearful of what had caused me such pain and suffering earlier in the evening. The attending physician sat down by my bed and put his hand on my forearm. He smiled and spoke words of encouragement to me in an unhurried manner. I instantly began to calm down.
"Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Matthew 8:3
The above verse if onyl one example of Christ's healing touches with people here on earth. Jesus often touched people with those hands of love. No wonder He drew such huge crowds.
People don't care how much we know,
until they know how much we care! How are you touching the life of someone else today?
Have a great
day and God bless!
