These two poems were written on a retreat following a session where we were invited to meditate upon the story of the woman with an issue of blood from Mark 5. As I pondered the story I realised that so often I approach Jesus as if from behind, and brush my fingers against the edge of his garment and slip away. My engagement with the story brought about a face to face conversation where healing and blessing were possible.

On being heard, and being seen

Part 1:

I am that woman,

slipping through the crowd

in search of healing, healing

but not recognition.

I want to touch you,

to be cleansed, set free…

but I don’t want you to see me,

to know me,

for I am unworthy…

But you won’t let me slip away,

you call me out,

look me full in the face

and draw my story from me;

 hurts and pains flow from my lips

as blood from an opened wound,

…and suddenly I am free…

really free…

and you commend my faith!

I am free, and you have seen me,

you have heard me…

and these tears,

are tears of gratitude!

Part 2:

He looked me in the face,

and heard my story,

and he was attentive to me,

his eyes filled with love and tender compassion…

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He saw ME,

he heard ME…..

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and then taking my hand

he blessed me;

and although we both moved on

he has not left me, for

his Spirit surrounds me and fills me…

I am not an outcast,

not abandoned…

…….not an outcast

……………..…not abandoned

I am loved, and I am free…