Cobblestone Conversion

Written by Kay Mickel

Sitting here on this narrow cobbled street, I clutch my old soiled robes around me; praying to disappear inside them...soon.

Empty now of all except God's promises, my life drains out with this dark blood. (If my friends could see me now.)

I'm always cold these days, and hungry. Hungry for the life I've lost, hungry for God to take me away. Such a deep hunger it laughs at mere food.

All that I had I spent on physicians; none could help me. I came to symbolize their failure and finally they sent me away, shaking their heads. Surely, it was my own fault I wasn't healed.

Family and friends were good to me at first; until my illness made me constantly unclean. What could they do? And, what could I do but leave them.

I have been unclean so long, oh Lord, reviled, rejected. All I thought was mine, all I possessed, this unclean spirit has devoured.

I am just a woman, Lord, trying to live in this world, in this foul body. You, the Creator of all must know, I kept the law as long as strength allowed. But now, by the law, I'm lost and dying.

Just as I plead once more, "So be it, Lord. Let me die." I hear a group of men approaching and a woman steps from her doorway to stand beside me. Careful to pull her robes away from touching mine.

"It's the one called Yeshua," she says looking up the way. "He heals, they say he has the power to heal! Some call him the Messiah." Still watching, she steps back into the shadow of her doorway; knowing what is proper.

A woman who is already sitting in the street has nothing to lose by being forward. So I push myself up to stand, smooth my robes, and tuck a stray wisp of hair behind my ear. I will see this Jesus.

He and his followers come closer now. They look at Him as they walk and talk; enthralled at his very presence, as am I.

I step into the street to follow as they pass. Straining to listen as He speaks; wondering what I, a mere woman would say to Him if I had the chance.

How could I possibly blurt out the nature of my ills? A man, a stranger, with men all around...it's just not possible.

But I am drawn to His voice, warmed and fed by His words. So I follow, drawn forward, reaching out to Him with my heart, and all my soul's yearning.

Soon I will have to rest, but may God and my family forgive me, my last act on earth will be to touch this holy man.

There, I've done it! I sink to my knees as the crowd passes around me. My body suddenly changed, healed, calmed.

Stopping, He said, "Who touched me?"

"Many have touched you, as we've walked these crowded streets." his friends reply.

He turned then and fixed His eyes on me. Rightly judged in that instant, I fall forward, hiding my face in the rough cobblestones at His feet.

He said, "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace, and be free of your suffering."

Then, turning again, He continued down the street just as simple as you please.

And I, though still filthy on the outside, was clean within; healed, alive, and redeemed in that moment.

That same day He raised the daughter of Jarius from the dead!
Praise be to God, this Yeshua must surely be His Son.

Though I am a Jew; I will no longer wait for a mighty Messiah who will slay our enemies. I will follow this gentle Jesus, healer of my soul, Messiah of my heart.

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Kay Mickel has been fighting ovarian cancer since 2006.