Who knew that by the time all the serenity prayers had been memorized someone would opt for a hug?  Singapore was recently invaded by a serial hugger.  Known as “Amma” because not everyone has time to say her given name, “Mata Amritanandamyi,” the queen of cuddle from southern India supposedly hugs over a million people a year. The hug-ees border on the euphoric from their three-second embrace. Many say they gain energy.  Others temporarily cast away their chosen faith for this Mid-Eastern manhandling. Amma, translated “mother,” doesn’t seem to tire from her thirty-fifth year of missionary work, even though one news report said the Singapore event saw nearly 2,000 wait in line.

How interesting that our text messaging, MySpace generation would settle for a hug!  Could it be that we are waking up to the cold reality that warmth is better than Windows?  Could it be that all the software in the world cannot replace the security of being held in the arms of someone who doesn’t need a password to let you into their heart?  Shame on western religions for letting this mission slip through its arms!  All the while we’ve been polishing our pulpits or brandishing our PowerPoints, a little lady from out of state realized that the way to our hearts isn’t necessarily through our ears.

By the way, her hug isn’t the first or the firmest.  Jeremiah 31:3, “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.’”