Understanding Long-Term Healing: Lessons From the Woman With the Issue of Blood

What if your pain had a name — and your healing a path?

In Matthew 9:22, we meet a woman who bled for 12 years. But it wasn’t just her body that suffered. It was her soul, her dignity, her place in the world.

Did you know that emotional wounds can run as deep as physical ones? Just like this woman, many of us have faced our own struggles that leave us feeling isolated, rejected, or unseen. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the journey towards healing emotional scars, exploring the stories we tell ourselves that shape our identities. We will delve into the concepts of faith, honesty, and the power of reclaiming our voice... just as she did. So, what kind of ‘issue’ have you been carrying around for far too long? What are the narratives that keep you from moving forward? Join me as we explore these profound questions, unravel the meaning behind them, and find the way to healing.

Understanding the Story of the Woman With the Issue of Blood

The story of the woman with the issue of blood encapsulates profound lessons about faith, healing, and the struggle against isolation and rejection. In Matthew 9:22, we meet this woman who had been suffering for twelve long years. Her condition not only caused physical suffering but also deep emotional pain as she was marginalised and ostracised. This woman's determination to reach out and touch Jesus' cloak despite the crowds symbolised a revolutionary act of courage.

The Impact of Long-Term Emotional Pain

Understanding what long-term emotional “bleeding” looks like is essential. This term is particularly significant as it reflects how prolonged emotional pain can isolate the individual, much like a chronic injury. Individuals can feel as though they are stuck in a cycle of despair, where feelings of unworthiness and rejection compound over time.

The Complex Web of Rejection

Feeling unwanted is central to many emotional scars. Perhaps it stems from family dynamics where love feels conditional. Many people can relate to the feeling of being judged or misunderstood. The woman with the issue of blood experienced something similar; her condition rendered her unclean according to societal norms. This rejection deepens the wound and complicates the journey toward self-acceptance.

Identifying Your Own Issues

It's crucial to identify what your personal 'issue' is. Whether it is long-term trauma, insecurity, or feelings of inadequacy, recognition is the first step towards healing. Ask yourself: 'What have I been struggling with for far too long?'

The Power of Faith in Healing

Just as the woman took a leap of faith by reaching out to touch Jesus, we too must step into our faith to initiate healing. True change requires belief that healing is possible and that we are worthy of it. By believing in the possibilities that lie ahead, we can create the courage to confront our fears head-on.

Finding Your Voice

It is essential to reclaim your voice, especially after feeling unheard for so long. The act of sharing your struggle can be healing in itself. Through community, whether it be a support group or trusted friends, other voices can help validate your own experiences. There is immense strength in shared narratives.

Embracing Honest Conversations

Honesty is a crucial element of the healing process. Opening up about our feelings can be intimidating, but it is as necessary as addressing the physical symptoms we show. The woman with the issue of blood risked her own safety to confront the crowd and ultimately span a network of connections to reach Jesus. In a similar way, you must be willing to have honest conversations about your struggles, fears, and hopes. What stories have you been telling yourself? This is your opportunity to rewrite those narratives.

The Messiness of Healing

Healing is often messy. It doesn’t follow a linear path; it is filled with ups and downs, breakthroughs, and setbacks. The woman didn’t just touch Jesus’s cloak and instantly become healed; her journey was likely filled with pain and disappointment. Acknowledge that it’s okay to have those feelings, and understand that there’s no ‘right’ way to heal. Hallelujah, we are human beings on a journey!

Steps Toward Healing

To help you navigate your healing journey, here’s a small framework based on the woman’s story:

1. Identify Your Issue: Reflect on your struggles. What has been consuming your thoughts for years? This step lays the groundwork for the rest of your journey.

2. Reach Out: Just as the woman reached for Jesus, connect with individuals or communities that foster support. Remember, vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

3. Speak Your Truth: Use your voice to describe your story. Whether in journaling, talking with friends, or in a group setting, articulating your experiences allows for cathartic release.

4. Cultivate Faith: Engage in spirituality that resonates with you. Whether through prayer, meditation, or a different practice, develop a relationship of trust in the larger journey you are on.

5. Accept the Process: Realise healing is a process—embrace its messiness as part of growth. Allow yourself grace during tough times and celebrate small victories along the way.

Stories of Overcoming

Many have traveled a similar path of healing, finding solace in shared experiences. Hearing testimonials of others who transformed despair into hope can be a light in dark times. Like the woman with the issue of blood, resilience and faith can fuel an incredible journey.

Community and Connection

Finally, we should emphasise the importance of community in this journey. As you explore your issues, seek support from others who can walk alongside you. Gather trusted friends or mentors, and consider group sessions with a counsellor experienced in trauma and healing. Connection allows for shared weight, making each step feel lighter.

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

Let’s pause to consider the lesson from these reflections. It’s essential to engage in a deep introspection:

What issue have you been struggling with for far too long, and what narrative have you been telling yourself about it?

The woman boldly reached for healing by declaring her faith. Now, it’s your turn to embrace this call to action by actively moving toward your healing journey. Understand that healing is incredibly possible and available to you. Recognize that just like the woman’s story changed, so can yours. Are you ready to begin this journey? Ask yourself those profound questions and discover what changes you are willing to make in your life.

“Daughter, your faith has made you well.”

That’s what Jesus told her.

And He wants to say it to you.

Let this be your moment to reach for healing — even if it’s messy. Even if you’re not sure. Even if you’ve been carrying it for far too long.

Come. Begin. You don’t have to walk alone.

ps. I first began wrestling with these questions after hearing a powerful Mother’s Day message by Ps. Lucinda Dooley. Her words sparked something in me — and led to this deep time of reflection. Click here to watch it for yourself and see what it stirs in you.

🤍 Vera
Leadership & Communication Coach
Founder of The Honesty Lab
verachin.com