Bertha is always one of...
Illustration
Bertha is always one of the first people to arrive at church on a Sunday morning ... a good half-hour before the start of the worship service. She is the unofficial greeter, talking to everyone, asking how they are doing. Bertha can always be seen hugging people before the worship service begins.
There was some questioning as to why Bertha insisted on hugging everyone. Some of the questioners were clearly uncomfortable, suggesting that it might not be appropriate to hug in church. Of course, no one wanted to hurt her feelings but it was felt that the situation had reached a point where something had to be done. The pastor and one of the elders agreed to speak Bertha with the hope of curtailing her hugging.
Bertha's response surprised them both. She explained that her husband had died several years before and that since she lived alone, the only contact she had with people was on Sunday mornings. Outside of the church, no one ever touched her, held her hand, or hugged her anymore. She so looked forward to Sunday mornings and enjoyed the hugging.
This encounter was a poignant reminder of how important human touch is, especially to people who live alone with little social contact. On Sunday mornings Bertha can still be seen hugging people ... people who are a little more understanding.
There was some questioning as to why Bertha insisted on hugging everyone. Some of the questioners were clearly uncomfortable, suggesting that it might not be appropriate to hug in church. Of course, no one wanted to hurt her feelings but it was felt that the situation had reached a point where something had to be done. The pastor and one of the elders agreed to speak Bertha with the hope of curtailing her hugging.
Bertha's response surprised them both. She explained that her husband had died several years before and that since she lived alone, the only contact she had with people was on Sunday mornings. Outside of the church, no one ever touched her, held her hand, or hugged her anymore. She so looked forward to Sunday mornings and enjoyed the hugging.
This encounter was a poignant reminder of how important human touch is, especially to people who live alone with little social contact. On Sunday mornings Bertha can still be seen hugging people ... people who are a little more understanding.
