A soulful embrace is one that is deep, has roots and is restorative. The roots are in connection and shared experience. The connection energizes, heals and encourages.
After 29 years, a trip back to the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee changed me. The drive up the mountain was filled with memories and anticipation. I was about to see fellow staff alum that I haven’t seen in all this time. There have been “likes” and other brief encounters on Facebook, but no conversations, no direct messages, no texts.
In anticipation of this reunion I had a list in mind of those I looked forward to seeing. Many on that list were there. These were people who I cared about. People I had shared summers with that made a difference in my life.
Then it happened. The eye contact, the recognition after all these years and then the soulful embrace. Over and over, I would hold back tears with each embrace. I was overwhelmed by this deeply rooted connection that hadn’t faded over the years and struggled to find words to describe the experience.
2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)
Later, I realized that a soulful embrace requires two people who feel mutually about one another. I knew these friends were dear to me. I knew I was looking forward to seeing them; that they mattered to me. An embrace of this magnitude meant I mattered to them too. I mattered.
Growing up, I assumed I was victimized by various people because I didn’t matter. Deep within me was a root that left me thinking I had no value. If I had value, I would have been treated differently. These soulful embraces tore out that root and replaced it with one that reminds me I matter. These relationships rooted in Christ breathe value into my life, and I am forever changed.
Have you experienced a soulful embrace? Do you know you matter? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.