Jesus, Can I Have a Hug?

As you know, I've been going through a rough time.

And often I find myself wanting some strong, gentle, loving, protective person (in my mind, a male) to hug me or hold me or wipe away my tears and tell me it's going to be okay and that they love me, even in all the mess that I am right now.

Now, I have an incredibly strong, gentle, loving, protective family that includes a wonderful Dad and three younger-but-bigger brothers, and all of them have given me comfort and reassurance regularly.

But sometimes I want someone just for my own.

Who's there just for me. 

Whose main focus is giving me the strength, comfort, and love that I need.

I used to think what I wanted was a boyfriend or husband.

Now, I definitely still want those, but I've realized something:

I have a man who is strong and wise and gentle,

whose love surpasses any other love,

who knows me exactly and cares more for me than I can even comprehend.

And his arms are always open.

Lately I have been so blessed as to have these opportunities (disguised as trials) to grow closer to my Savior. He is becoming more and more real to me each day.

I can see the urgent and unfathomable love in His eyes.
I can feel the prints of the nails in His hands - physical evidence of how much He loves me.
I can feel His warm arms around me: strong, protective, and gentle.



Though obviously Christ Himself isn't in my room when I'm having a hard day, time and time again as I've cried out to Him, He has answered. I have felt His undying love surround me.

And most of all, I have become so aware of how badly Jesus wants us to ask for Him.

He wants to be the shoulder you cry on.
He wants to be your light in the dark.
He wants to make you feel safe and loved.
He wants you to ask.

So ask.

He will answer.