A Strong Embrace
Photo Credit: Curtis Copeland Photography
My husband is an awesome hugger. Every day, when I get home from work, we share this ritual where we stand in the kitchen. I am on one side by the sink, and he is leaning up against the island. We look each other square in the eye, and then the Hug Fest begins. I tell you, that is the best part of my day — it wipes away just about any stress I am bringing home from work. A good hug is a healing balm.
The thing about a good hug is that you have to lean in and let go. You know what I mean? 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. 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.
In English, this sweet phrase literally means “a strong embrace.” It’s like a big hug from my husband.
I think the Lord was whispering “lean in” to my spirit. He wanted to remind me that He is a hugger, too. He holds me safely in His strong embrace.
I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—
nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic,
today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—
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
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!!)
Thanks for that hug, Sharon! You bless me. 🙂
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 🙂 Thank you for the reminder to lean into Him! And here’s a {{hug}} for you! Blessings.
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! 🙂
You are always such an encouragement, dear Lyli! Un abrazo fuerte.
Gracias, hermana! Bendiciones 🙂
What an encouraging read this morning. I felt hugged by God just reading it! (I love hubby hug fests, too!)
Joyfully,
Pamela
I like to call them “huggies.” 🙂
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!!!!
Love you, Carole xoxo
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.
I agree, Lisa. Stop, drop, and hug. 🙂
What a great tradition you and your husband share…I love hugs so I get it….praying you feel God’s strong embrace today, Lyli 🙂
thanks, Dolly
Hugs right back at ya 🙂
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.
Sweet friend, I am praying for you and your man to get on the same piece of dirt pronto. Hugs
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
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
I am not quite sure how we got started with the ritual routine, Madelain. But, I am glad that we did. 🙂
I love you and your hugging husband. My hubby and I do a ritual each night before he goes to bed (and a couple of nice kisses too) I stay up a bit later still working on his story posts because I edit and post for Robert’s short stories. http://musingsbyrobert.blogspot.com/
I love little sweet traditions like this one. They help put pockets of joy into my day.
So encouraging! I love the though of begin embraced by the Lord! Blessings!
One day we will see Him face to face!
I love the thought of being hugged by God!
It’s so comforting to me, too. 🙂