Handle with Care

For many years I’ve heard about studies suggesting that when touch is missing, that infants fail to thrive. Lore Ferguson Wilbert, in her book Handle with Care: How Jesus Redeems the Power of Touch in Life and Ministry (B&H Publishing, 2020) suggests that adults need human touch also.

                That’s scary for so many people because of abuse, or allegations of abuse, but touch was an important tool that Jesus used frequently.  Ministry often calls for touch, anointing with oil, a hand on the shoulder during prayer, even a hug. Of course before charging into a hug, it’s a good idea to get permission—not everyone is comfortable with that level of intimacy: we don’t all speak the same ‘love language’

                Wilbert talks about the taboos of touch—some of which were probably started out a misguided sense of propriety. As she does so, she debunks some of the myths, myths which get in the way of ministry, and meeting basic human needs.  What are the appropriate boundaries when dealing with singles? Is all touch sexual?  She also talks about the benefits of touch—appropriate touch—in keeping people connected with humanity, and by extension, with God.

                I was impressed with Wilbert’s sensitivity when it comes to people who have been abused, especially helpful is the ‘afterward’: A Letter to Those Who Have Been Abused.  In the letter she acknowledges their pain, encourages healing, and apologizes for anything in the book that may have caused pain.

                This book is a helpful tool for people involved in ministry, and huggers and non-huggers alike could benefit from some of Wilbert’s insights.

                I received a copy of this book from the published in exchange for my honest opinion about the book. I was not required to write a positive review.

4/5