I just finished reading the book entitled All But My Life written by Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein. Throughout this book she details the day-to-day struggles she endured as a Jew during World War II. During her imprisonment she endured the loss of home, family, and friends, along with a meager allotment of daily food. Still, she never gave up on life or lost her dignity. She was the source of encouragement for her friends and other prisoners during the long marches from one camp to another. In her book, she shared stories of individuals, members of the Nazi party, other Jewish prisoners, and villagers, who demonstrated humanity to anyone enduring the hardships and cruel treatment that she experienced.

St. Mark shares a story about Jairus, a synagogue ruler, who like Gerda did not give up. He had a daughter who was deathly ill. All of the medications the doctor had prescribed were not working. She was getting weaker and weaker, and he had heard that Christ was in the area. Being an employee of the synagogue, I'm sure Jairus had heard testimonies concerning the miracles of Christ, as well as reports of the message Christ shared. Knowing what had been said about this promised Messiah, what did he have to lose? He would ask for Christ's help. He would trust that God would make his daughter well.

On the way to Jairus' house Christ stopped to heal someone else. At that moment, Jairus received notice that his daughter had died, and it was recommended that he leave "the teacher" alone. Basically they were saying, "Let's get on with the funeral plans!" They already had the mourners in place. (It was a common practice for professional mourners to be secured at the time of death.) Christ though, knowing their thoughts and hearing their words responded, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

As we take time on Thursday to reflect on the blessings each of us has been richly given, I pray that this phrase is one you can place on your list, "I'm not afraid, because I believe." It's an assurance in our hearts that Christ is walking with each of us, sharing the emotions we feel, ranging from hardships and pain, to joy and peace. It is also an assurance, that through faith in Christ Jesus, we will one day live in heaven where there is no pain or fear.

Gerda believed that she would live to see the end of the war and the cruelty inflicted upon her. Jairus believed that Christ would perform a miracle and bring his daughter back to life. I believe that Jesus, my Savior, walks with me and will someday take me to heaven to be with Him. Pray with me that as the Holy Spirit opens the door for us to witness to others, we can boldly step forward and share.

Enjoying the ride,

Jane