The assembly of people moved together, following their subject. Sticky with sweat and anticipation, they were anxious to see what would happen next. Would He notice his smile and carefully coiffed beard? Perhaps the garment she carefully selected that morning would catch His eye. While each person hoped to be noticed, there was one who was out this day only because there was a crowd present. Feeling unloved, unapproachable and untouchable, she feared people. Rarely was she treated with kindness, her illness made her marked to society. It was much easier to stay indoors, at home in solitary confinement where there was no risk of rejection.
Hope was alive in her empty life. There was nothing else crowding her heart and mind other than being well. She heard He was passing through and knew this was her one and only chance. Gathering all the strength and emotional courage she could muster, she slipped out the door and joined in the crowd. Threatened by the idea of being noticed, she mixed in as best she could. She would not lift her voice and join in the chorus of voices greeting this Man. Keeping her eyes on the ground below her, she had no desire to catch anyone’s eyes. Her only desire was to get close enough. No one had to be the wiser.
He was passing by her now. She quickly stretched out her hand, reaching as best she could. She’d missed Him yet managed to graze part of His clothing.
He stopped. The crowd seemed to hush. Finally all their efforts were paying off, they thought. And then He spoke…
“Who touched Me?”
She gasped. He felt it. He felt her touch. The one who wanted so badly to blend into the crowd was now being called out before the same crowd…
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I’m joining up with the Five-Minute Friday community today.