Free Hugs

43 million people have watched this video. What does it teach us about community?

by Sam O'Neal

I rarely look at my Facebook account, and I have never "Twittered" (Tweeted?) in my life. So I'm probably the last person in the world to become aware of the "Free Hugs" video below. But I finally saw it last week, and it made a deep impression on me.

Sociologists have been saying for a long time now that people of our generation receive less human contact than ever before—and that's a bad thing. I happen to agree, and I think a warm hug or a handshake is one of the best things we can offer our group members week in and week out.

What do you think? Is physical contact appropriate between group members? What should the boundaries be?

And what are some ways you could share this video with your group members?

posted by Sam O'Neal on May 11, 2009 4:13 PM

Comments

Okay? It is my turn.........

I will make a sign in the morning!

And just do it! It is contagious!

Thank you for 1 random act of kindness(a hug)turns into billions of billions of LOVE multiplied........
And LOVE NEVER FAILS...........

blessings and smiles,

Melissa Fort
843-906-7091

Let us know how it turns out, Melissa! And if you make a video of your experience, send it my way...

Thanks Sam for this video. I was moved to tears to see how many people are hungering for hug and considering, hugging people to show them the love of Christ...Esther, Kenya

My favorite part is the guy who comes in at around 1:12. He's striding so purposefully and then just stops in his tracks when he sees the sign. I wonder what was going on in his life that the chance for a hug would say, "Stop everything!"