Photo and story by Tina Kramer
The Bleeding Woman
How will I ever reach him? There are so many people swarming around him like bees clinging to their queen. I can’t do this, I am exhausted-the bleeding starts again, I can feel it oozing out, causing stabbing pain in my lower abdomen. Unclean, unclean . . . how often have I heard those words running through my tormented thoughts? Even if I could push through the crowd and reach the Rabbi, I would contaminate him. He is so holy, and I am dirty and unworthy to be in his presence.
As the crowd squeezes through the narrow alley, my body is pressed against the wall. I am trapped and can’t breathe. Shutting my eyes, I cry out to God for courage. A strange warmth radiates from my heart as I set my gaze on the Rabbi. Where is this fortitude coming from? With renewed energy, I push forward.
Pressing forward, falling back, losing sight of him. . .
Pressing forward again only to be knocked down, trampled by the uncaring horde.
Unseen hands pick me up and set me back on course.
Looking up, I see him-this Rabbi they call Jesus. He is suddenly within reach. How did I get here? He seemed so far from me just moments ago.
Do I dare reach out and touch him? Will He be angry and yell, “Unclean!”
In quiet desperation, I reach for the hem of his garment. As my hands hold his garment, the oozing stops and the pain disappears. Can it be? Is it possible after all these years of suffering that I am healed?
Based on Luke 8:43-48
Prayer
Father God,
Like the woman who pushed through the crowd to touch your garment, I am pushing forward to receive Your healing touch. For 50 years I have longed to be made whole, and I believe that this is my year of Jubilee-this is the year You will set free my soul from bondage. I long to hear these words from You: “My daughter, go in peace. Your faith has made you whole.”
Lord, you know my soul has been bleeding for many years. I have tried in vain to fix myself-it cannot be done. I come to you with a humble heart, admitting that I am undone. I am at a loss to solve all the problems inside of me. Your word promises that you have not given us a spirit of fear, but a sound mind. In faith, I am standing on Your Word. It doesn’t matter how much my emotions go up and down. It doesn’t matter how loud Satan yells that I am weak and unstable. I am resting in Your strength. You are going to help me. You are going to bring healing to my marriage and to my family. Today I choose to walk in the light.
Take all my broken parts and make Your beautiful mosaic of grace. May all who look at my life see Your handiwork.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen
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