No, this is not a demand for war. It is the reverse, a request for peace. 5,000 servicemen on an American Aircraft Carrier want it. Millions engaged in conflict around the world plead for it. This is not even merely a request to stop fighting. It is a call to every one of us to put our arms round someone who is hurting. Not only the bereaved, the sick and the poor but the person whose anguish is visible from the lines on their face. For prisoners of crime, conscience, and caste, for those trapped in mental anguish, those lost on their journey of life.
Our arms are there to help them and, in doing so, help us.
Different cultures have different traditions about physical relationships. Respecting those is part of a neighbour’s duty. But we are not a fragmented, divided world now even if we seem to be. Communication has made us one society. We just don’t behave as though we see that clearly yet. It becomes more visible daily.
Why is it so important to demonstrate affection for others especially with our arms?
Because our arms are our natural defence against hostility. Using them clearly to show affection, strength for someone else, comfort and security, makes us a friend even before we speak. Also because our arms are the basis of all construction. They enable us to build, to support, to steady. A gorilla shows off his power beating his chest – with his arms.
Arm gestures can be aggressive, too. Threatening a punch, hitting someone, shoving a rival are all statements of hostility. Non-hostile gestures are therefore doubly welcome since they dismiss any implied aggression and declare friendship. Arm engagement is also the first gesture of kindness in giving. Support, help, steadiness all start with the arms. Affection, care and concern are more advanced arms messages, too.
Putting your arms around someone who needs love makes you donate a sunrise on a cloudy world. Do it today and you will have done something wonderful for them and for yourself. And you will have started a new dawn.
Alms – the money sort – are always welcome.
Arms – the flexible limbs – are even more so.
Good morning
John Bittleston
Have you got an arms story? We’d love to hear it at [email protected].
19 August 2026
