There’s a story in the Bible about a woman, outcast, sick and unclean. She has suffered for 12 years with chronic bleeding and is physically exhausted, socially isolated, economically & spiritually desperate.
In a moment of utter despair, she risks everything and pushes through the crowds who have ostracized her and reaches out to touch the edge of Jesus' robe.
“If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed” - Mark 9:21.
Jesus, in the midst of bustling, crushing crowds, “turned and saw her” - Mark 9:22.
On route to another appointment, Jesus decidedly stops to care for a woman everyone else has chosen to overlook.
"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”- Mark 9:34
With compassion, Jesus brings physical healing, but he also restores the woman’s standing in the community. Jesus recognizes her pain, honors her faith and frees her to full inclusion among her neighbors again.
This story is said to fulfill an earlier prophecy about a coming Messiah, “the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings” - Malachi 4:2. The Hebrew word for “wings” can be translated as corner or skirt. The bleeding woman in the story reaches for the “hem of his garment,” the tassels at the corner or wing of Jesus’ prayer shawl, and finds healing and restoration.
Andrea Baker passing the prayer tallit to Doris Monasterios.
Earlier this year, to symbolically mark the passing of leadership from Founder to National Director, I gifted Doris a prayer tallit from Jerusalem, similar to the one Jesus used in the story above. And I shared the following thoughts with Doris and our community:
Though prayer shawls are typically worn by men as a sign of power and authority, this gift is a reminder of your position of honor as a daughter in the Kingdom of God.
There are 613 tassels that signify God’s commandments originally given as a guide for right living. May they serve as a reminder to continue to honor the heart of God.
Shawls can be used like tent coverings during times of prayer. Remember your need for God and God’s care for you. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and armor” - Psalm 91:4.
As you follow the example of Jesus, may you continue to serve others compassionately, especially those who feel isolated and alone, unclean and rejected.
And may you work for justice to bring restoration of body, mind and spirit. May the broken, just as the bleeding woman, find healing and hope among you.
In this transition, I feel tender in some ways, similar to the feeling of launching my children off to college. Proud. Nervous. Excited. At peace. This work was never fully ours, nor its success solely dependent on our efforts. We appreciate your patience with us as we settle into our new roles. I am fully confident not only in the Lord’s continued provision, but in the capacity of this team to continue to build on a strong foundation laid. It is with great joy that I will continue in Bolivia, still supporting and rallying the valuable work of this community.
With deep love and gratitude,
Andrea,
Founder and Advocate