A Lighter Way Week Seven: Healing at the Edges
Jul 05, 2026A Lighter Way Week Seven: Healing at the Edges
Reflection
The Lord heals the brokenhearted, the anxious, the hurting, the sick. Woman with the flow of blood (Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48)
Recently, I was struggling with intense anxiety, especially at night. This anxiety manifested as invasive, negative thoughts rooted in selfā€‘condemnation and shame. The thoughts spiraled for hours, stirring up strong emotions and fear. To put it mildly, falling asleep became very difficult. As the nights grew harder, I began to dread bedtime and stayed up later and later to avoid what felt inevitable.
I brought this struggle to spiritual direction, where my director simply invited me to sit with Jesus and ask what He might say. As I imagined myself with Him, the story of the hemorrhaging woman came to mind. I said to Jesus, “If I could only touch the hem of your garment, I want to believe I could be healed of this nightly affliction.” We sat together for a while, and then I heard Jesus say to me, “You could touch the hem of my garment, but it is better to hold my hand than to touch just my garment.”
That night, I began a new practice. When I lay down and the thoughts started swirling, I placed my hand on the pillow beside me—reaching out in faith for the healing I believed He had promised. The thoughts began to ease. Each night for the next few weeks, I went to bed confident that Jesus would be there to hold my hand whenever the thoughts roared back. Each time they returned, I reached out again—placing my hand on the pillow.
After a few weeks, the thoughts virtually disappeared. When they occasionally return, I simply go back to the practice of reaching out my hand and standing on the promise He made to me that day in prayer.
Practice
What in your life needs the touch of our good and loving God? This may be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing—doubt, fear, loneliness, addiction, unforgiveness, anger, hatred…the list is long.
Sit with the Healer and Redeemer in this personal place. Rest in the arms of grace and mercy. What do you hear whispered to you?
What practical step might help you change your thinking, break the cycle, or reach out your hand in faith toward His healing and unconditional love?
Blessing
May Christ’s healing meet you warmly and gently today. May you know that you can push through the crowd, reach out to the Savior, and receive His love and care. May you be reminded that God hears our prayers—always—and holds us in His loving, warm embrace.
Footnote
Do you have a story of answered prayer? As Amyā€‘Lyles Wilson would say, “It is the sharing of our stories that saves us.” Share your story with our community so that we may encourage one another and remember the vast goodness of God.
This seventh reflection comes from Cindy Long, Leadership Council Member, Nurturer of Community Care, and Graduate of WTC's School of Spiritual Direction.
Stay Connected!
Updates and News sent directly to your inbox.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
