Take Heart, Daughter

 

While Jesus was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. Matthew 9:18-26

 

Take Heart, Daughter

 

Daughter take heart you are stronger

than you think and the strong waves

are nothing compared to your heart.

 

Take heart when the winds blow harsh

and the words that come hurt and sting

you are faithful beyond measure and loved.

 

Take heart dear one when this body

breaks and pain pulls you down deep

you can swim to the other shore beloved.

 

Daughter take heart for love is active

filling your being over and over

with light and promise and life.

 

Take heart for you are God's delight

perfect and beautiful as you weep

as you weave and stand again.