I Never Thought of it That Way

      It's Holy Week! A week full of reflection, anticipation, immense sorrow, and profound joy and hope. All in a matter of 7 days! How can so much fit into a single week!

      The other day, I was listening to my Daily Audio Bible app, and I heard a story out of Mark that was so intriguing to me.

"25 A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit in her heard where Jesus was. And right away she came and knelt down at his feet. 26 The woman was Greek and had been born in the part of Syria known as Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to force the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said, “The children must first be fed! It isn’t right to take away their food and feed it to dogs.”[a]

28 The woman replied, “Lord, even dogs eat the crumbs that children drop from the table.”

29 Jesus answered, “That’s true! You may go now. The demon has left your daughter.” 30 When the woman got back home, she found her child lying on the bed. The demon had gone."  --Mark 7:25-30

      I love this translation because it adds the "that's true" part. 

     My mom babysits. So, whenever I'm home, I am surrounded by children. Most of the time, I just laugh at what they say because they're so cute and say the cutest things. However, every once in a while, a kid will say something that stops me dead in my tracks. Or do something that is so profoundly awesome. 

      Many teachers have similar moments. Even my brother, who student taught some classes, has moments that made him realize why he was there doing what he was doing. 

      This woman was not afraid to speak to Jesus and ask for help, at all costs. Even if that means, after already telling her that she must wait, telling Him that she needs the goodness He brings. 

      It's that moment in which He is sure in His ways, and not wrong. However, still has His mind open more when she retorts back. 

      What's so amazing about this is that we are constantly being proven that Jesus was God, yes. But also human. And that no one is above a statement that shifts the way of thinking. Everyone is susceptible to an idea that totally changes how to look at an issue. It's what we do in that moment that makes the difference. 

      Jesus was willing and able to shift His plans and His thoughts to accommodate this smart woman. Are we able to do the same when what we believe is challenged?  Sure, not every challenge to our beliefs means a total change in what we believe. But a challenge may bring up new questions to answer. Or a new way to look at something. 

      So, are we able to take those and morph them into something that helps us and helps others? Are we able to take those who retort back (and are probably right) and shift? It's tough. But I think it might actually be possible. 

Woo!

Mary Taylor