Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:47,48

I first heard the story of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who was healed by a simple touch of Jesus’ garment as a child in Sunday school. I’ve read the story on my own several times over the course of my life, but when reading it in preparation to write my contribution for this week’s Connect Devotional, it was like reading it with fresh eyes. 

It makes sense that hearing this story as a kid I was drawn to the parts about the young girl being brought back to life. As a woman in her thirties who greatly appreciates her community and is living in a world coming out of a global pandemic? It’s not shocking that my eyes were drawn to the unnamed woman this time.

We’re not that far removed from Covid lockdowns, and that’s probably a clue as to why I’m relating to this woman so much. We spent the better part of two years avoiding those outside of our immediate living situations, and when we were around others, the necessary social distancing allowed for little interaction. I recall craving hugs during those two years, and I even began to have dreams about the warm embraces of family and friends.

The woman in these verses had been sick in such a way that made her “unclean” for twelve years. Twelve years of the same old afflictions: “uncleanness” was considered contagious, so she had spent those years void of human touch and unable to participate in the worship of her community. Twelve years! 

She reached out in desperation. In the midst of a throng of followers and in the middle of a high stakes situation, Jesus stopped for her. He saw her for more than the medical or “religious” condition she had suffered with for more than a decade. His eyes saw straight to her God-seeking heart. He called her forward not to embarrass her, but to bless her. He announced to her and everyone who could hear that by her faith she had been healed. Jesus gave her his time and a new name–daughter! He saw past the last twelve years of her life and saw her with fresh eyes.

Do you have neighbors that need the gift of your time? Are there neighbors who could benefit from being viewed with fresh eyes?