How a Hug Reminded Me of God

Scarlett and Kendall (May 4, 2025)

May is a busy month for my wife and me, full of family celebrations: two nieces' birthdays, her stepdad’s and stepmom’s birthdays, my brother’s birthday, her sister’s wedding anniversary, and, of course, Mother’s Day.

Whew!I think that’s all of them! Maybe you’ve got even more on your calendar, but I bet many of you can relate to this kind of celebration marathon.

Recently, we took a quick trip down to North Carolina to celebrate two of those big milestones: my niece Ella’s 5th birthday and my brother Will’s 40th.

Even though it was a short visit, it was packed with fun. We grabbed lunch at a local spot when we arrived, then ran a few errands before heading to the park for Ella’s birthday party.

Other than the oldest, Payton, we haven’t seen my brother’s daughters much over the years so understandably they were excited and shy at the same time. But by the end of the day, they had warmed up to both of us.

Throughout the day, we visited stores, played on the playground, ate cupcakes, and even went to the mall with Ella so she could get her ears pierced! That evening, we had dinner at a Japanese steakhouse which is one of my personal favorites.

And yes, believe it or not, that was all in one day. Not to mention the drive from the Richmond, Virginia area down to Brunswick County, North Carolina.

One of my favorite moments came when we arrived at the mall. My youngest niece, Scarlett, had fallen asleep in the back seat. Wanting to help my sister-in-law, I gently picked Scarlett up and carried her across the parking lot. If you’ve ever held a sleeping child like that, you know what a tender moment it is.

My sister-in-law even commented, “Scarlett never lets anyone do that except me or Will.” So I took that as a big deal, and a sweet one.

Throughout the weekend, my wife Kendall and I took turns playing with the girls, but Scarlett really seemed to gravitate toward Kendall. After all, it’s Aunt Kendall—and Aunt Kendall is pretty great! More than once, Kendall said, “Scarlett gives the best hugs!” And she is right.

She throws her little arms around your neck and you just melt.

It reminded me of Psalm 91:4 which says, “His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.”

Now, Scarlett doesn’t have massive arms, though she’s stronger than she looks, but what a beautiful reminder of how God holds us. We find shelter in His strength, not just His gentleness. He rescues us. He shields us from things we don’t even see coming—hurtful words, unseen dangers, even spiritual attack.

Verse 5 goes on to say, “You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.”

This small child who lights you up when she hugs you is pretty awesome, but she is nothing compared to the Light of the World.

So next time you hug your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, spouse, or a close friend—let it remind you that God is holding you close. His arms are never too full, never too tired, and never too far away.

Anyway, I was just thinking…