I’ll never forget one time when my husband and I were walking through a campground holding hands. We walked by another couple setting up their stuff and the husband said, “If my wife sees you she’ll say to me, ‘See, lots of other husbands are willing to hold their wife’s hands.'” Clearly, his wife and he were not on the same page about such things. I imagine people might have looked at us thinking thoughts like ‘Aren’t they cute,’ or ‘Still holding hands despite their age,’ or ‘Isn’t that romantic?’
Well, none of the above would have been true that day. You see, when I am in really bad shape with depression, not just feeling sad, but also weak and vulnerable and just plain wretched, I hold my husband’s hand for strength and support. In my brain, I imagine that he is healthy and I am not, and maybe if I hold onto his hand some of his healthiness will leak into my weakness. I know it sounds silly, but that’s what I think. Besides, holding hands does feel good. Little did I know the actual power of hand-holding at that time.
I couldn’t begin to recount here all that I learned when I googled ‘the power of holding hands’ but let me just sum it up with four points from Pure Wow:
- It soothes us.
- It helps us connect.
- It counteracts loneliness.
- It reduces pain.
Wow, those are all good things and things I need when I am feeling hopeless and alone.
God also reaches out his hand to us. Acts 4:30, …while you extend your hand to heal…. Or how about this one: Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.“
Who’s hand might you hold onto today? If you don’t have a human hand, hold onto God’s hand. He is always there reaching out to you just waiting for you to reach out to him.
Don’t give up! There is hope for depression. There is always hope when we cling to God’s everlasting love.
Wonderful encouraging words.
Well thank you dear sister!