The power of a single hug truly can be amazing.
Not only are we hardwired as humans to crave physical touch from other humans, but a hug goes even further by helping to break down artificial barriers between people.
The heartwarming sight of two people hugging can be truly inspirational, as with this photo of a new father hugging his baby's doctor. So when I heard about this single hug that was helping to truly bring people together in a small town in Ohio, I was incredibly moved.
A woman, who has only been identified by the name Annie, stood on a street corner outside an Islamic cultural center in Dublin, Ohio, holding two protest signs. She had arrived alone to the local mosque to protest the Islamic faith, as well as Sharia law. However, what happened next, I absolutely never saw coming.
This inspirational story about the power of a hug in bringing two human beings together will completely melt your heart.
h/t: Columbus Dispatch
Responding to a call for protests by a Facebook campaign called "Global Rally For Humanity," Annie found herself absolutely alone in protesting Islam across the street from the Noor Islamic Cultural Center.
Armed with two picket signs, Annie was quickly joined by counter-protesters of several different faiths who began to engage her in a friendly and lively debate about Islam.
Several people tried to invite Annie into the cultural center for a cup of coffee, but she declined. That's when Cynthia walked up.
With arms wide open, Cynthia Cox de Boutinkhar walked straight from the mosque to Annie and requested a hug. Cynthia told the Columbus Dispatch, "Normally, I don't go up to somebody who despises me and give them a hug. Something just came across me."
Cynthia continued, "I just walked up to her and outstretched my arms and said, 'Can I give you a hug?' She gave me an odd look and said, 'OK.' "
"She was super-tense, kind of shaking. I grabbed her — I don't know why I did this — and her whole body just relaxed like a noodle. I backed away from her a little bit, and she smiled."
Cynthia invited Annie inside for some water. Cynthia told her, "I'm an American, too. I'll stay right with you. I promise. I'll stay right by your side." Annie accepted the invitation and the two walked side by side to the mosque, with Cynthia even helping to carry one of the extremely heavy signs.
Inside the cultural center, an interfaith group that had gathered gave Cynthia and Annie a round of applause. Annie was given a tour and she talked with members of the mosque for several hours. Cynthia told the Columbus Dispatch, "You know, 'make love, no
Since Annie and Cynthia met, the images of their hug have gone absolutely viral. Though they may not become best friends, the two women certainly were able to break down barriers and come together as human beings through the power of a single hug. Their story and their openness to one another are an inspiration to people around the world.
What do you think about the hug between these two women? Let us know in the comments.
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