During world war 2, doctors identified a fatal and mysterious disease they called marasmus. It was discovered in a group of orphaned babies who were placed in a care facility with brightly colored toys, new furniture and good food. In spite of the pleasant accomodations, however, the health of these children rapidly deteriorated. They soon stopped playing with the new toys and gradually lost their appetites. Their tiny system weakened, becoming lethargic and wearing down. Some children died.
When word got out, United Nations doctors were flown in to make a diagnosis and treat the children. After only a short time of investigation, the doctors made a simple prescription, curing the prolem within day: For ten minutes each hour, all children were to be picked by a nurse, hugged, kissed, played with and talked to. With this simple prescription, the little ones brightened, their appetites returned and they once again played with their toys. Their 'marasmus' was cured.
Was reading a section in the book 'Relationships' by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott when I was struck by this article (erm, the book is not a BGR book ok? )How true it is that all us have a longing to be wanted, accepted, enjoyed and loved. None is too big, strong, talented and tough to go without belonging. To belong is not just about feeling warm and accepted, but it's a life and death issue, like the article on the babies.
Research had shown that adults who not cultivate nurturing relationships (by being in isolation) have are more likely to die at a comparatively young age than those who cultivate companionship. God never did create a man to be an island by himself.
Thus, on this topic, I thank God for the Christian Fellowship here in Cyberjaya and for the church where I find friends to crap around with, to jam around with and to belong. It's been a far cry from the days of New Life, where it was so hard to belong. I was just 'the loser who could not fit in' *Sigh*
Now, if only God could put in a few single chicks in church, it would be perfect. (Yea right, if onlyla)
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