Public Displays of Affection

This video on You Tube was released on September 22, 2006, and by January 4, 2008, had gained just over 22 million views. According to the video summary, it was recorded in Sydney. In the video, the main character who is giving out hugs, (identified as "Juan Mann", a pseudonym and a homonym of "one man"), walks through the Pitt Street Mall holding up a sign with the words FREE HUGS written on it. Music for the video is provided by Sick Puppies, an Australian band that Mann met a year earlier. Shimon Moore, the lead singer of the Sick Puppies who worked at the mall, shot the footage which he later compiled into a video for the song. Initial distrust of Juan's motives eventually gave way to a gradual increase of people willing to be hugged, with other huggers (male and female) helping distribute them. After some time, security guards, then police told them they must stop, as Mann had not obtained public liability insurance worth $25 million for his actions. Mann and his companions used a petition to attempt to convince authorities that his campaign should be allowed to continue without the insurance. His petition reached 10,000 signatures. He submitted it and was allowed to continue giving free hugs.
There is a story in Acts of Paul preaching so long, a boy in the third story window fell asleep and then fell out. People were, of course, alarmed and upset. Paul went over to check on him, and then gave him a big hug.
"Paul went down, stretched himself on him, and hugged him hard. 'No more crying,' he said. 'There's life in him yet.' Then Paul got up and served the Master's Supper. And went on telling stories of the faith until dawn! On that note, they left—Paul going one way, the congregation another, leading the boy off alive, and full of life themselves." (Acts 20:10, The Message)
It never ceases to amaze me how powerful human touch is. It doesn't matter who you visit in the hospital, a kindly little old woman, or a big strapping dude -- both will reach out for a touch. You can hug them in their bed, hold their hand, or kiss them on the forehead when you leave. It doesn't matter how it is done, just that it is done.