Hemorrhaging Woman

I am always struck by the story of the hemorrhaging woman in the gospel. After suffering from a blood flow for 12 years and spending all her funds on doctors, she must have been desperate. She travelled 30 miles to Capernaum to see this healer everyone was talking about. She knew if anyone saw her, she would be banished and probably punished since she was considered ritually "unclean." Weak as she was, the determined woman pushed and shoved her way through the crowd. She got close enough to touch the hem of his robe and felt a change in her body. Thankfully the crowds were focused on Jesus and did not notice her. She immediately knew she was cured. But Jesus was not going to let her act go unnoticed. When he asked who touched his garment, she came forth in fear and trembling. But Jesus did not reprimand her. He commended her faith and called her "Daughter." After years of isolation and exclusion, she was able to hold her head high and feel whole again. She is my heroine of steadfast trust and indomitable courage who would not give up. Jesus recognized her deep faith and lifted her up for all to remember down through the ages.

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