Changing Out Our Labels

Have you ever felt so broken that you lost all hope of ever being healed or freed from your pain? I know I have. I went through a difficult mental health crisis during my postpartum period after the birth of our daughter. I felt afraid that I would have to live in a state of broken mental health for the rest of my life. In my brokenness, I had to cling to Jesus like never before.

And in my pain, I was comforted by the faith of the woman in the Gospel of Luke who had a horrible blood issue that lasted well over a decade.

This woman, who was rejected by all around her, had been hemorrhaging for twelve years and was considered “unclean” in her society. She was unable to touch anyone or be around them, so she remained hidden from everyone.

As Jesus made His way through a crowd of people who were seeking His healing, she, too, made her way to Him, hoping one touch of His cloak would heal her. She got her chance. She reached out and touched His cloak. He felt power leave from Him and asked, “Who touched Me?” (Luke 8:45).

Luke went on to say, “The woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.’ ” (Luke 8:47–48).

As a woman labeled unclean by society, her behavior suggests she felt it was considered unacceptable to come to Jesus, openly risking being seen by others. Yet He not only healed her, but He brought her into the open and changed her label from outcast to daughter.

How often do we label ourselves as unclean, unworthy, or dirty? Yet, at the same time, the love of Christ calls us away from those broken labels, bringing us into a state of wholeness in Him.

I learned from this story that nothing is beyond Jesus’ repair. He sees my uncleanliness and still calls me daughter. Even when I feel like an outcast, He still looks at me with love.

The same is true for you, friend.

The lie is that you will never find healing, hope, and freedom from your pain.

The truth is that Jesus is our Healer, and no amount of pain or brokenness is too far beyond repair.

You are not too broken, damaged, or unclean for the healing and redemptive love of Christ.

-Britt

Reflection Questions

1. Think about your biggest pain points mentally, physically, and spiritually. Jot down the first three that come to mind in a journal.
2. Then, ask Jesus to show you hope and healing in each of these. Write a prayer to Him beside your list.