Talitha Koum
Written by Melissa Sharpe
Grief is a fickle friend. A companion that arrives without invitation nor decorum. It is a vigilante of peace and provider of paroxysm. It barges in in the most inopportune moments overpacking for its stay. And grief has many culprits of which we can lay blame. Loss and change and pain to name a few.
But God's Word defies that of which is common and communicates a message of hope that both joy and sorrow have the unique ability to collide.
Within the last year my family has encountered some challenging issues in regard to an unwelcome and surprising diagnosis for our youngest daughter. Before a diagnosis was officially stated, we went through an all-consuming circus of specialists, the first of several invasive surgeries, rehabilitation, and emotional stress.
And grief isn't just for grown-ups.
Our young daughter experienced intense moments of grief laced with sadness, anger, and anxiety. For weeks I slept on an air mattress beside her bed because she needed around the clock care and comfort. All while I was writing papers, exams, and studying to earn my credentials in biblical counselling. To help others in crisis and grief.
Isn't life ironic?
And I questioned myself in the wee hours of the mornings long before the sunrise if I would be able to lead others when my own grief and stress seemed ever-present.
That is where I learned that both joy and sorrow have the ability to collide.
My tears and pain led me to the account in the book of Mark where Jesus was called to the home of a leader where his young daughter lay dying. And Jesus went into the room, His very presence is hope itself for when the living Christ is in our midst, hope beams like the rising sunshine - too bright and intense for our eyes to fully absorb.
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.
Matthew 5:35-42
And she did. And so, did I. And too, will you. Talitha, Koum! I say to you, get up and lead through the pain. The leading brings much joy.
