Loneliness - SE StudentsSample

The Bleeding Woman

In Biblical times, there were a lot of sicknesses that made someone unclean, which meant they couldn’t live with their family, they couldn’t go into the temple, and they couldn’t be in large crowds. This was the reality of the unnamed “bleeding woman” in the Gospel of Mark. She lived on the outskirts of life, unable to be touched for 12 years because of her illness. 

Can you imagine going 12 years without a handshake, pat on the back, or hug from someone you love, especially when you are feeling isolated and alone? In her desperation to be healed, the bleeding woman put herself in the middle of a crowd one day. She reached to the hem of Jesus’ robes, touched them, and was healed. All of a sudden, she didn’t have to cower as people walked by; she could be touched and hugged and encouraged because she was no longer unclean. Jesus rewarded her faith when He called her daughter and gave her peace and freedom from suffering! 

In your loneliest places, reach out to Jesus like the bleeding woman did and have faith that His power can heal any pain and any suffering. He calls you son or daughter. Even when you feel like you have been isolated and forgotten, He says you are known and you are cherished.