If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you may have seen the tiny monkey named Punch who has captured hearts around the world.
Punch was rejected by his mother shortly after he was born. He was alone and was needing comfort, so zookeepers gave him a large orange orangutan plush toy from IKEA. And suddenly the internet fell in love. Millions of people watched this little monkey cling to his stuffed friend, sleep with it, and carry it everywhere.
When Punch was later introduced to the other monkeys, the videos were hard to watch. My heart ached. He was pushed away, dragged off, and seemed like the outsider no one wanted.
The internet rallied behind him.
#HangInTherePunch began appearing everywhere.
The zoo explained that what looked like bullying was a normal part of monkeys learning social structure.
Right now, the world and social media can be noisy and overwhelming. But a trending social story like this reminds us of something deeply human:
We all want to belong.
We all want to be loved.
We all want someone to hold on to when life feels overwhelming.
Maybe that’s why this little monkey struck such a chord with so many people
Because at the heart of it all, isn’t that exactly what Jesus calls us to do?
To create spaces where people feel accepted.
To lift the outsider.
To show love to those who feel alone.
So yes… I may quietly be rooting for Punch. And I might even want an orange IKEA orangutan in solidarity.
Because the world could always use a little more kindness, a little more belonging, and a little more love.
#HangInThere
Previous Post 
Leave Your Comment