Woman Lifted Up
Epiphany 5; Mark 1:29-39
He took her by the hand and raised her up,
and then the fever left her, and the loss
of home and husband and her role and place
no longer kept her weak, confined to bed.
She felt empowered to serve them in this house
that was not hers, but where perhaps she might,
by serving him, discover who she was,
and who she might become, in Jesus' sight.
She ministered as one whom he had raised.
The hand that he had held could now reach out
to those who gathered, needy, at the door.
He healed, she fed, she risked a touch and word.
He lifted her and raises women still,
for bondage spirits keep so many bent.
Now women can stand strong to speak and praise.
He takes my hand and lifts me up again.
Barbara Messner 1/02/2024
Barb, poet priest 
Beautiful! And I come fresh to it … I decided I would preach on the friends who opened the roof since early Easter means we won’t have it this year, and not I regret it! But this is preaching enough for me!
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This is lovely, Barbara. I’m so grateful for the way you’ve opened up Jesus’ invitation to discipleship here. Thank you.
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