Most of Jesus’ miracles were healings. He healed all manner of people, all different ways, from simply speaking the words, to a touch of his robe, to forgiving sins, to applying mud to blind eyes. He noticed those who were ignored, the outcasts, the beggars, and those who were simply written off as having no hope. Today, don’t you think we would find him with the HIV positive individual, the cancer victim, the homeless person, and the wounded and forsaken soldier?
Let’s be honest, it can be depressing to hang out with these people; that is, until we meet the ones who, ironically, encourage us. I don’t like being people with disease or disfigurement and I hate feeling helpless to do anything for them. Yet, I’m not helpless. I can’t miraculously heal them, but I can be their friend. I can help out with their incidental needs. I can listen to them. I can be a healer in that way.
Right now I have two neighbors with acute health issues. One moved to Florida for a double lung transplant. He just had the surgery, and he will have to stay in the area for two and half years. They had to figure out what to take with them in their move and what to leave here, and they had to find a place to live in Florida. We are in touch through emails and texts. The other neighbor just had shoulder replacement surgery. There is surely some way I can be a healing agent for these people!
I dream about being a powerful lover who is known for the way he makes time for people, gives them his undivided attention, asks them important questions, and is not afraid to put his arms around them and give them a hug. I would like to be the guy who leaves people feeling encouraged, loved, a little more healed, and with a smile on their face.
