Punch, a Japanese macaque, has captured the hearts of the world. The seven-month-old monkey was born last July at Ichikawa zoo. After this birth, his mother rejected him, leaving him alone to face the unknown.
Zookeepers quickly intervened, giving Punch a stuffed monkey. Punch quickly bonded with the stuffed animal, finding comfort through snuggling and dragging the toy all around the exhibit.
When Punch tried to connect with other macaques, he was quickly rejected. Footage showed other macaques violently punching him away when he would try to snuggle up to them. Punch’s plight played out across various media platforms, leaving the world in tears for the little guy.
However, just this week, something strange is happening at the macaque exhibit. The other monkeys, the very ones that rejected Punch for the last seven months, are starting to reach out with curiosity. Some macaques have even been seen grooming Punch, a sign of acceptance into the troop.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the stuffed toy if Punch continues to find acceptance into his adopted family. Regardless, Punch’s story has punched the world square in the heart.
The Need for Love
Reflecting on Punch’s predicament and potential outcomes has left me pondering the state of the world. In a world filled with systems striking out against so many of us, it feels like we’re all in need of something soft and warm. We need something to cling to in order to find peace during these troubled times.
Our government has failed.
Our church continues to prioritize the wrong things.
Our heroes have shown us their shortcomings.
Our families are feeling the pressures of life.
Our economy works for the elite, but not for the rest of us.
Our healthcare system is broken.
Our Constitutional rights are being trampled upon.
Our leaders are more interested in power than justice.
Our clergy have lost their prophetic spines.
Our hearts are breaking, and no one seems to care.
Instead, we feel like the world is rejecting us.
We feel anxious.
We feel frightened.
We feel angry.
We feel alone.
We honestly feel more and more like little Punch, doubled over from the sting of rejection, searching for a meaningful community and something (or someone) warm to embrace.
Jesus reminded his followers that the world would one day bring trouble, but we can find peace if we know where to look: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The way of Jesus was to confront rejection by providing a way of inclusion and justice for those on the outside.
“I am the bread of life,” Jesus declared, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
We, too, need something (or someone) to help us find peace and justice within this cold and lonely world.
While Punch’s story is not over yet, the little macaque seems to be heading in a better direction.
With Punch providing a little inspiration for us all, let’s move from the rejection this world offers to seek out our own paths towards acceptance, community, and love. No matter who you are in this world, we all need a hug from time to time.
Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs and my dear friend, reminds us that there are days when all you need is a hug, or all you can give is a hug, but a hug can sometimes make all the difference.
Whether a macaque in a zoo halfway around the world or a person next door feeling very alone right now, please know you are loved by God and loved by others.
You are not alone. God and we are with you.
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CEO of Good Faith Media.