And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ (Mark 5:24b-34)
I strongly identify with the idea of wholeness and integration being a key part of healing. For many years I have worked to help people who have experienced abuse to find some sort of healing.
For these people, belief, acknowledgement and apologies help in their coming to terms with their past and seeking to integrate their grief and loss in their future self.
A key healing thing I have seen repeatedly to help significantly with integration is when a victim tells their spouse or parent or child about the abuse. The most common reaction is for the person being told to exclaim – Now I understand you much better – I always wondered why you were like that but now I see – It makes a whole picture of you.
This sort of reaction greatly helps the victim to accept who they are as a whole person and to move ahead on their healing journey.
In being part of such times of bringing people and lives together, I have experienced the presence of the Spirit encouraging me on to integration and healing in my own life. Ω
Reflect: When has telling the whole truth freed you from suffering? What secrets are you keeping which damage you even now? Ask God to show you which secret to reflect on today, and to guide you towards truth and healing.
#Lent2020 © Sanctuary, 2020.
Healing
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