Home
>
Spirituality
>
Reach Out and Touch

Reach Out and Touch

The essence of the Christian faith is the good news about God. That God is love is the bedrock of our faith. All of the Christian teaching about who we are and about our relationships with God and each other is rooted in the good news that God is love and that He loves His creatures.

It is natural I suppose that when we are really hurting, we put up our defenses and perhaps, become a bit rebellious. We feel victimized in some way and want to know "why?" We try all sorts of escape mechanisms only to discover that we feel more and more isolated, lonely and lost.

In Mark 5 we read about a woman who must have been sad and hurt for a long time. She had been sick, not for a couple of weeks, not for a couple of months, not even for a couple of years. But she had been suffering with some type of blood disorder for 12 long agonizing years. For over a decade she had experienced physical anguish and emotional pain.

Scripture tells us that this woman had spent all her financial resources going to see many doctors. She had taken all the medicines prescribed but was no better. She had utilized her reserved energy, spent all of her emotions, and probably used all of her friends and all other helps to no avail. Her condition only worsens.

I can imagine how this woman must have felt. Perhaps you can too. When all the doors close on you; when you do the best you can and nothing seems to jell. This woman was tired. She was tired of being sick, tired of disappointment, tired of being a prisoner of disease, tired of hoping in lost causes, tired of taking one step forward and moving backwards two, sick and tired of being sick and tired.

This woman typifies human despair, not only physical but spiritual. For her, the world could offer no healing; she represents all of us who look everywhere for peace of mind and spirit; for hope and comfort, and find none.

But one day, probably while wondering what her next move would be; maybe contemplating suicide, maybe thinking about drowning her sorrows in alcohol, she began to think about some reports she had heard about a man named Jesus. She heard about a miracle worker from Galilee who healed the sick, unstopped deafen ears, gave sight to the blind and opened the mouths of the dumb. So she made up her mind to somehow get to Him.

I think what is interesting is that this woman did not broadcast her plan. Scripture does not say that she shared what she intended to do with anyone; she did not ask for anybody's opinion. Rather, she said within herself, "If I just touch the hem oh his garment ? I KNOW I will be made whole." She believed Jesus cured, she expected healing and she was healed. Immediately she was freed from 12 years of suffering.

Jesus has got the power. We know this because when she touched Him, He asked in essence, "Who touched me? I know somebody has touched me because I felt some of my power leave me."

What this says to me and what I share with you is that sometimes we have to push an audience with our Lord. We have to push our way through the problems and negativity and piles of petty trash that crowd around us. We have to push our way through and reach out and touch the hem of His garment in faith. Jesus knows when YOU make contact with Him? He knows when we tap into His healing, renewing, restoring power. And He looks around for us to tell us to go in peace, be satisfied, you're whole now, all is well, be healed of what troubles you.

Reach out and Touch?

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, will be available soon.

green cleaning service Glencoe ..

In The News:

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.

Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.

New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.

Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.

Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.

The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.

Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.

Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.

Reach Out and Touch

Spirituality