Sin Vergüenza: Finding a Home in the Tensions of IdentitySample

Day 5: Healing is Always on the Other Side 

The work we’ve been doing the last few days is not easy. Identifying the tension we live in, coming to terms with our identity as adopted sons and daughters and how that includes our cultural and ethnic make-ups, confessing areas in which we succumb to societal pressures to strive to be like someone that we weren’t created to be. By taking the convictions of and aspirations of dominant culture from the center of our relationship with God, we do the work of decolonizing our faith. To take up this work is to acknowledge while there are some helpful aspects to be found in the dominant expression of Western Christianity, it is lacking in its range to address our living realities as ethnic minorities. In a sense this means we must decolonize our faith.

Pause and take a breath. This work requires thoughtful reflection, interactive prayer, and ample time to pray and process. 

Be encouraged, though, that there is breakthrough on the other side of the chaos of identity. 

In Mark 5:25-34, the story of the bleeding woman is so beautiful because it focuses on a sole individual being seen in the midst of a crowd. Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd pressing into him, but immediately noticed when someone’s touch brought upon a genuine exchange. The Scriptures say he felt his power leave him. The woman in this story stood out among a crowd and participated in a historical exchange with Jesus, all because of her faith. She truly believed that healing would come should she simply touch Jesus’ robe. This was not a performative action, or a moment of striving. One could argue that many people in the crowd had those motives–to be recognized, to strive, to be a part of something bigger than themselves. But this woman was different–the posture of her heart was different. She truly saw Jesus as her healer.

Let’s also keep in mind that this woman had no social standing and likely no financial status. Her illness left her in the margins of society. Yet somehow, in the midst of a crowd and so many people begging for the Messiah’s attention, her faith and reverence for Jesus made all the difference. 

There is a holy exchange waiting for you on the other side of this journey. As you experience knowing yourself and Jesus in a deeper manner, you may come across painful experiences from your past. Broken relationships, unresolved conflict, past trauma, etc. We serve a God who deeply cares about these wounds and makes his healing available to those who posture themselves in a manner of faith, ready to receive his power. 

Lastly, reflect on the previous chapter, Mark 4, specifically Mark 4:35-41. It’s interesting that in the moments leading up to Mark 5 when we see Jesus perform many miracles of healing, the disciples and Jesus find themselves getting into a boat right as a storm is coming their way. The disciples urge Jesus not to go to the other side, but as we all know, Jesus was able to quiet the storm. Sometimes the work of healing is painful, especially if conflict is a part of it. But remember that Jesus is present throughout the journey, and on the other side not only is there healing, but there is authority. When they reached the other side of the storm, Jesus and the disciples were able to cast out demons, bring healing, and ultimately bring glory to the highest name. 

Reflection:

• What is something you’re needing healing from? Whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, write that down.
• Take time today and over the next few days and examine your heart’s posture. Do you believe that Jesus is the ultimate healer? Allow yourself to wrestle with this truth through dialogue with The Lord.
• Take time to pause over the next few days and reflect on the truths and revelations that may be brought on by this devotional.