Arise

Daily Gratitude Year 5-Day 56: Today, I am grateful for the hope and the promise in the word "arise".

Today, my Jill, (the sister of my heart but not by birth)...would have been 52 today. We spent 28 of her 49 years sharing daily life. She remains forever 49. College acquaintances, but life brought us together and the richest, sweetest friendship grew. Today, the sorrow is softer and sweeter... an this scripture crossed my path:

"Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” -Mark 5:41

These are the words Jesus spoke to Jarius, the synagogue leader's, 12-year-old daughter. Friends believed Jesus was too late and said so: The people said, "Jarius, it's too late. She is dead. Don't bother the teacher anymore." But, Jesus was on a healing mission that day.

He had already cast out demons from a man who was suffering from the possession of his mind and body. A woman, who had been bleeding for 12 years, knew if she could just reach out and touch Jesus, she would be healed... and she was.

It was a day for physical and spiritual healing. A new birth day for each one who encountered the Savior.

Today, I am feeling a little sentimental, reflecting on the anniversary of Jill's birthday. The reality is that not every prayer for earthly healing is answered... sometime's healing prayers are answered when suffering ends and we hear Jesus say, "Arise. little one, arise. You are home... and healed and whole." Her sickness shortened her earth dash... but illness cannot touch His eternity.

Another truth... we can lay our sadness at his feet and he will lift us up with hope and purpose.

Out of sorrow.
Out of sadness.
Out of darkness.
Out of the miry clay.
"I AM with you.

"Arise, little girl... I say to you, arise."