TACTILE TRAUMA

The word tactile is an adjective (Roz told me) and it means: ‘of, pertaining to, endowed with, or affecting the sense of touch. Or perceptible to the touch; tangible.’ It also translates out to ‘given to touching others, especially as an unselfconscious expression of sympathy or affection.’

Since the beginning of 2020 the entire world has been in tactile trauma. The pandemic of the Corona Virus has made necessary very special and strict practices of not touching your face or touching others, wearing face masks and keeping six feet between ourselves and others. This has changed the way we live. It has affected dining, socializing, travel, economics, business, recreation, fitness, shopping, work and jobs, family gatherings, and hundreds of other changes. Having normal relationships and functions without being tactile is opposed to true human nature …but necessary at this time.

It has also changed the way Christians assemble (or do not assemble), and practice their faith and have community. Community without being tactile is very sterile…as a result of the restrictions. To have community digitally only goes so far and so deep. But I believe it will prove to be the antidote we have needed to change huge roadblocks to our habits, rituals and customs as Christians. Finding life in family, Little Gospel Communities and ‘where two or three are gathered’ could produce another Reformation of faith and practice. When tactile trauma is over we may hug and love one another more than we ever have before.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Jesus