A Woman with Issues: A Broken Vessel Seeking to be Whole

“And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” –Matthew 9:20-22
We all have issues. Some are more observable than others. Many issues and problems we mask or hide behind, or hide away in our heart secretly hoping no one will notice or ask. I can’t help but think that the woman with the issue of blood didn’t have that luxury to “hide” or “mask” her problem. During that time we did not have products and expensive perfumes we buy today to mask the smells and odor of being an unclean woman. I can imagine the looks and side eyes she got when people walked by her. I imagine her being overlooked and invisible to some as if she wasn’t even there. I wonder how many physicians she sought over the years without any cure for her illness. See, the woman with the issue of blood didn’t just suffer from a chronic physical condition (12 years) but she also endured and experienced a broken heart and spirit, suffering beyond the physical: social rejection (outcast in society) and alienation (because of her condition), disapproval, isolation and loneliness, sadness and grief, hopelessness, dejection and low self-worth. Can you relate to how she was feeling?
Today, this woman would be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (trauma) to her mind and body. She may be prescribed psychiatric medications to treat some of the discomfort and to take the edge off her mental distress. She had been disappointed for so long, so many years, that the compounded disappointments left her very desperate and likely hopeless. But then there will be those quiet and hidden places in her heart that medication cannot treat nor heal. Those deep dark secrets and feelings hidden beneath the fine clothes, accessories, hair and perfume. Those secrets are hidden away for many women.
The sexual, emotional and physical abuse of her mind and body as a young girl.
The alienation and rejection as a pre-adolescent girl trying to find her way.
The low self-worth she endured being told she wouldn’t make it out and that no one wanted her.
The child whose mother didn’t believe she was abused by the man the mother brought into the home.
The men who told her she wasn’t pretty enough, tall enough, thin enough to be his woman.
The husband who looked her in the eye and said I love you yet tuned against her in rants of domestic rage.
The child she aborted because she just couldn’t care for anyone else, not even herself.
The marriage that ended in infidelity.
The multiple suicide attempts no one knows about.
The days she just cannot get out of bed to face the world.
You are the woman with the issue of blood; only your “blood” condition is in your heart and mind. And just like the woman of with the issue of blood for 12 years, you can be healed of every tormenting thought that has haunted you and kept you bound. It’s is time, my dear sister, to release those chains. Although the woman with the issue of blood didn’t have a name, Jesus affectionately referred to her as Daughter. She was a woman of great faith.
Listen…Listen…close your eyes…get quiet and still…I hear it…
Chains are being broken!!!
You are free. You are no longer bound by your past lest you choose to be.
The woman with the issue of blood took control of her condition and reached out for help from Christ. You can too.
I leave you with a prayer that I pray will touch the recesses of your soul and will free your mind, body, and soul.
Dear God,
This is my love letter to you. As I write this letter, tears stream down and wash away the sadness and replaces it with joy. I put my whole trust in a living and loving God and not in man because man has betrayed me. Lord, teach me to trust again, to forgive and love again. Please release me from the bitterness, hurt, hate, anger, and feelings of revenge I have to hurt those who have hurt me. Only you, Lord, can heal my mind, body, soul and spirit. Lord, show me the way to wise counsel. You have placed great and anointed healers and helpers in human form on the earth. I need that person to help me walk through this journey. May they be connected to you their great physician. Thank you Lord for hearing my plea.
Your Daughter,
A Broken Vessel Seeking to be Whole