Offering a Few Soft Hugs
Hey friends!
I wonder how many of you are chronic pain warriors. If you are, then you understand the need for soft hugs. Soft hugs come in more ways than wrapping one’s arms around another person. A soft hug could be a small kindness given.
A phone call
a note in the mail
a text
an errand
a cup of coffee
The list goes on. I built an acronym to offer you “Soft Hugs” today.
S - Something to Share
Butterflies are one of the symbols of chronic pain. So I created a printable worksheet. It’s a maze! Help the butterfly find its way to the flower!
O - Ovations
“Mandy Farmer is well acquainted with the struggles and joys that are part of living with chronic pain. She has been sharing her journey through that maze of chronic Illness for many years on her blog and in joint writing projects on various other websites. Having been involved with children’s ministries for decades before her own chronic illness struck, she is also very well-versed in connecting with the hearts and minds of young ones. I am so excited to see the publication of her new book combining her gifts of caring for children and writing about daily living with chronic pain and illness. I highly recommend Soft Hugs for Mommy to anyone who longs to help their family members, especially children, understand daily living with chronic illness and pain.” – Bettie Gilbert, author, and Chronic Illness Warrior
F - Something Funny
Q: Will an Apple a Day really keep the doctor away?
A: It depends on your aim. hahahaha!
T - a Simple Task
At one point in the Soft Hugs story, the little boy tells jokes to his sister and mother. We are looking for the perfect joke, appropriate for ages 3-8.
Follow Melissa’s request below to help us out.
H - Something I Heard
I’ve been enjoying Dr. Michelle Bengston’s podcast these days. Her latest was a two-part episode When Pain Becomes Too Much and then The Do’s and Don’ts of Chronic Pain. Here’s the first episode on Apple Podcasts.
U - Update on Soft Hugs Progress
Melissa is nearly finished with her black outlines. She’s headed up to Nashville to help out her daughter who has twin little ones. And hopes to do all the painting while the kiddos are napping each day.
She’ll have that completed when she returns home. We are looking for the right person to pull it all together in a lovely picture book. If you have someone to refer us to, we’d love to hear from you.
Mandy is reaching out for endorsements and recently connected with a psychologist to help her craft questions for discussion at the end of the book. She is having her left shoulder replacement later this week and covets your prayers.
G - Good Reads
Dr. Michelle Bengston has a wonderful, encouraging book called “Today is Going to be a Good Day”. Quick little reminders of the goodness of God. A great daily tool for anyone. She also shares one of these every day on Facebook.
She recently released “The Hem of His Garment - Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms” This is not just about physical pain, but all the types of pain we can experience. You will find this a good read as well.
Click here for Dr. Michelle Bengston's Books
S - Share a Hug with a friend
The thing about hugs is when you give one, you receive one. Be sure to share this update with someone who might be interested in this book. Thanks.
Be Blessed;
Mandy & Melissa