reflecting on the woman with the issue of blood from Matthew 9
You do not need to think
your way to faith
fierce enough to frighten
fragility into a footnote.
You do not need to lace
your lips with lustrous prayers
or pound your chest in penance
for the puzzle of your pain.
You do not need to be
holy or hopeful or pleasant,
stumbling severed from your story
and the truth your body bears.
You only need to let
your hidden hurt
come with you
and reach your fingers
toward the love who stands
with scars still on his hands.
Your body brings
your story
everywhere
you go
and faith says,
come with me;
I won’t leave you
alone.
Come whole,
weary, weak,
to the crowds and corners
where you’ve long been pushed aside.
Come with the courage
of the crucified.
His body brings
his story
everywhere
we go
and faith says,
he comes with me;
he won’t leave me
alone.
Your body brings
your story
where Christ
makes you
his home.
Image courtesy of KJ Ramsey
Encouraging words, KJ.
K. J., this articulated beautifully what is so often missed. Jesus inhabits our pain with us. And makes our story his canvas to illustrate his work of grace.
I love this. Isn’t it another way to think about Incarnation?
HIs body does bring our story. And the more we connect with that restoring person that He is, the more we heal. And then as you said we’re home.
What a moment of joy as I read your words. I can’t wait to discuss this moment with her. What was it like to touch the hem of His garment and feel the warmth of His love and healing. You’ve put it in just the right words. Thank you.