Si Yahweh ang mangunguna sa iyo. Sasamahan ka niya. Hindi ka niya bibiguin o pababayaan man, kaya’t huwag kang matakot ni panghinaan ng loob.

Deuteronomio 31:8

Narinig na ba ninyo ang term na “professional cuddler”? These are individuals na puwedeng i-hire ng mga taong nalulungkot, nag-iisa, at nangungulila. Sa ibang bansa, tanggap ang konseptong ito basta’t may consent, communication, boundaries, and compassion. Professional cuddlers are expected to snuggle, be someone to talk to, or just be there. Not everyone welcomes this kind of unusual service, though. There’s controversy about it, especially considering the risks involved with touching a stranger.  

Meanwhile, there are also companies that offer actors to pose as family members for a few hours, a day, and sometimes even for months and years. Nagpapanggap na fiancé, boyfriend, boss, parent, at iba pa. Isa sa mga bansang may ganitong kumpanya ay ang Japan. Sinasabing dahil na rin ito sa kalungkutan ng tao kaya’t nabuo ang konseptong ito.

Controversial, divisive, and inappropriate — that’s how we can describe this set-up. Dala na rin siguro ng lack of meaningful connections kaya nabuo ang mga ganitong serbisyo. We are wired to be social beings. Nilikha tayo to relate to others and to build connections. For many people, loneliness is a real and strong reason to be depressed.

Mabuti na lang at meron tayong Ama na hindi nang-iiwan. Hindi Niya kailangang magpanggap dahil tunay namang Siya ang ating ever-present Father. Moses said that God promised “He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV). We can rest assured that even if others leave us, or if some friends cut us off and abandon us, God never will. Kahit nga sa mga oras na hindi natin Siya pinapansin o naaalala, nasa tabi lang natin Siya at naghihintay lang na makausap tayo.