A Strong Embrace

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Strong EmbracePhoto Credit:Β  Curtis Copeland Photography

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My husband is an awesome hugger.Β  Every day, when I get home from work, we share this ritual where we stand in the kitchen.Β  I am on one side by the sink, and he is leaning up against the island.Β  We look each other square in the eye, and then the Hug Fest begins.Β  I tell you, that is the best part of my day — it wipes away just about any stress I am bringing home from work.Β  A good hug is a healing balm.

The thing about a good hug is that you have to lean in and let go.Β  You know what I mean?Β  You have to be willing to rest within the circle of another’s total embrace.

This morning, I was driving to work under rainy skies, and God reminded me of a phrase I love in Spanish.Β Β  My Cubans often use it to sign off at the end of an e-mail or to say goodbye before the end of phone call.

Un abrazo fuerte.Β 

In English, this sweet phrase literally means “a strong embrace.”Β  It’s like a big hug from my husband.

I think the Lord was whispering “lean in” to my spirit.Β  He wanted to remind me that He is a hugger, too.Β Β  He holds me safely in His strong embrace.

I’m absolutely convinced that nothingβ€”

nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic,

today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkableβ€”

absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love

because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Romans 8:39, MSG

Something to think about…

25 Comments

  1. Lyli, I really liked this post. I love the idea of a strong embrace from God, holding me tight, and making all the *bad stuff* go away! His love is the anchor in my life.

    GOD BLESS!

    (And here’s some hugs for you – ooooo, as in xoxo!!)

  2. Lyli, a post which has spoken deeply to my heart. I love the verse in The MSG! Jesus has embraced us, is embracing us today. Definitely writing this one on an index card where I can see it often these days. What a beautiful photo too! If you ask me, it looks like you are a pretty good hugger as well πŸ™‚ Thank you for the reminder to lean into Him! And here’s a {{hug}} for you! Blessings.

    1. It’s the craziest thing, Joanne. I thought all morning about “un abrazo fuerte,” and when I got home tonight, I looked up the word “embrace” on Bible Gateway under The Message translation and found this verse. I am actually leading a Good Morning Girls Bible study right now, and this was the verse we were studying, but I had read it in the NIV. I couldn’t believe I found the word “embrace” in there. I tell you, our Father is a hugger! πŸ™‚

  3. You will never know what an encouragement you are to me!!!! I love word pictures. My mind can grasp then and my spirit responds. You have given me a word picture that I will not soon forget!!!!

  4. I love this: “un abrazo fuerte.” My husband is an awesome hugger, too, and I’ve learned I need to let go of whatever I’m doing when he gets home to embrace that hug. Lots of security in that. Thanks for sharing, Lyli.

  5. Smiling big! What a wonderful tradition for you and your husband. I’d do just about anything for a big hug from my husband right now. I was crying during our facetime this morning and he took his hand and touched it to the screen and I could feel a hug. I’m rather certain God allowed me to feel it right at that moment. He gives us just what we need . . . big hugs and more. Much love.

  6. It not only takes leaning it – it takes allowing yourself to! My oldest sons BFF since 3rd grade was at the house the other day – and he’s hugger. I thought we were huggers but we just don’t compare. As a matter of fact, I was laughing and had each of the boys practice with him so we could get it right – or at least get it better! LOL

  7. I enjoy my husband’s hugs as well. I like the idea of it being an everyday ritual. I feel the sensation as well when we just hug and embrace each other. It is a beautiful moment. xo

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