First Hug

Oh the joys of a good hug. Getting lost in a warm embrace is simply magical. The eye contact, the long tight squeeze, the feeling of security, even the pat on the back, all play a role in filling the ones involve with euphoria. Hugging is an act of intimacy in any relationship. It builds bonds as well as break down barriers. It also brings comfort, and eliminates tension. I love hugs; I can actually uncover a person’s mood and authenticity from participating in the action—especially if I’ve known the other individual for a long time. But what if you were physically incapable of returning an embrace??

For Torri Biddle, the above “What-if” was her reality…until recently. She was born unique; her right hand was not like everyone else’s. Torri grew up wanting to do what the other children could do with both their hands. No doubt, she must have wondered why she was different from the other kids. Love and support are commodities freely given to her by family and friends. Nevertheless, the longing for a bionic hand still remained. Task requiring both hands could only be done with her imagination.

Torri’s friends decided to transform her deepest desire into an actuality. Using social media as their tool and voice, they started a Twitter campaign to get her a hand (#HandForTorri). Their efforts were not futile, as “Buried Life” saw their crusade and stepped in to help. They surprised the puzzled teen with good news at the Invisible Children’s Fourth Estate Summit. Her only reaction was happy tears. She was speechless.

After attaching the bionic hand, simple tasks that were once “What-ifs,” such as tying a shoelace or using a curling iron, were now possible for Torri to complete. However, one of the greatest accomplishments of having her new hand was being able to fully return the hug of her dedicated father. Friends, the varying magnitude of our needs does not matter to God. There is no need too insignificant or too excessive for His provisions. Our God is even able to make first hugs possible.

“But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)