Husband's view

Taken from:  Matthew 9:20-22

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Hello Readers!!

My name is Eliam.  Yes, you won't see my name in the Bible (and you won't see my wife's name either, although her story is told above.)  Her name is Judith.

It started sometime after the birth of our youngest son (we have two sons and one daughter).  One morning Judith awoke with the bed stained with blood.  It wasn't time for her period.  She cleaned up and used the appropriate cloths that she would with her period.  Her period did come - and go - but the issue of blood continued.  We talked to the midwife in our town - but no help there.  We talked to the doctor (my wife was hesitant to consult him).  While he didn't know a direct cure, he suggested changes in her diet - more fiber, more seeds (especially flax seed), more fruit (especially apples), and less (or no) meat.  She did go on that diet - and the flow was lessened, but not abated.  The doctor suggested what you moderns would call a diet high in vitamin K (we, of course, had no idea what that would be), but did eat more herbs and dark leafy vegetables.  We had kale there times a day, even cabbage and brussel sprouts.  The end result was a little lesser flow, but it was still there.  So, we continued.  Our local rabbi was a humble man (as compared to many who were very aloof) and prayed continually for her.

Judith became pretty much homebound.  With the appropriate rags as if on her period, she did go to the market and around, but following the Mosaic Law, she was 'unclean'.  As our children grew older, they took on a lot of the tasks outside the house.  Judith did weaving, the children found the plants that had good color pigments that she could use to die yarn.  But, the flow continued.  

As could be expected, there was an unpleasant odor about her.  Even with daily (or two or three times daily) bathing, and fresh pads, the odor and humiliation was always with her.  

<now moving forward>

This Jesus had come on the scene so quickly.  The talk was that he could be the Messiah. But, in Israel, there were just too many doubts.  This Jesus was not a political leader, he didn't confront the Roman authorities.  We expected Messiah to be a conqueror and deliver Israel from Roman and we could be our own territory again.  

The word on the street was the Jesus was in the area - and on his way to Capernaum.  I was away at my work (a builder), but Judith left the house in search of this Jesus.  She did just reach out and touched his robe - and immediately she KNEW that she had been healed.  And even Jesus, who was surrounded by so many, KNEW that healing had occurred. 

She returned to our town - aglow and excited.  She came directly to where I was building an additional to a house.  I knew when I saw her that she had been healed.  Here was my Judith, my wife, smiling, laughing and happy again - after twelve years.  

Two days later, both Judith and I went to hear this Jesus - and I believed, just like she did.  It was also an momentous event - as Jesus took five fish and two barley loaves and feed all of us - about 10,000 people total.  BUT ... above and beyond the feeding us was his message - repent, turn to God, and follow me.  

Four days before Jesus went into Jesus for his final Passover, both Judith and I had the same dream - that he would die and then come back from the grave.  It was scary, but so real.  I tried to share my dream with some friends - even those who followed Jesus - and they scoffed at me.  But, it all came true.  

From that time, we have been living and sharing with friends.  We're called "Christians" now as we follow Jesus.  Our children have also believed as well as our grandchildren.  God is so good!!!  Thanks be to God!!!