Somewhere between the exuberant expression of childhood and our “older and wiser” hearts, we learn to hide away our emotions, tone down our excitement, reserve our expression and guard our hearts. Rejection, rebuke, ridicule do their due diligence to emotionally shut us down, shut us up and shut us out.

 Then Jesus. 

Jesus blows the doors off our walled-up hearts. He unlocks the prison doors of our jailed emotions. He tears the gage off of our muffled voice and calls us into an authentic, intimate relationship with him!  

This young girl was literally physically struck down and dying. We can be emotionally, spiritually or relationally struck down as well. Abuse, rejection, death and divorce, being cursed and shamed, used or raped, seduced and deceived, so many weapons are formed against women to steal hope, kill dreams and destroy faith. The attack comes out of nowhere and leaves us defeated, lethargic and dead.

 But God!!

He took her hand, seized her dying destiny, and called her, “Child, arise!”

When God came calling, Mary answered with a resounding “yes!” This was no small ask. No “Hey, if it’s no trouble, could you do me a favor” kind of request. This was a life altering, reputation sacrificing, relationship rendering, give up everything and everyone kind of call. How could she say yes to such an assignment to surrender and sacrifice all to do what God was calling her to do?