Bold and the Brave, Doubt and Disbelief

Every now and again, I have these thoughts, which lead to questions, which lead to thought provoking conversations with friends. 

I often wonder what happened to Joseph--Mary's Joseph. He's an intricate part to the Christmas story, we know Jesus had siblings, so he and Mary had other children, but he just vanishes. Maybe (and probably) he died, but why doesn't anyone feel the need to mention it? I often wonder. 

Another question I like to ask people on occasion: "Which of Christ's miracles would you have liked to witness, and why? (The resurrection is off the table, because, really, if you're a Christ follower, that'd be the one.) The Sunday school answer in me wants to say all of them, but there's one that I've always found so gripping. Which one? The woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment. Why? Well, I'm so glad you asked. 

This woman had been dealing with a hemorrhaging disorder for a long time. It was more than likely a painful thing that she dealt with. I imagine there were sleepless nights. She was probably discouraged with doctors, and seeing as how she'd spent every dollar she had, I imagine she was just about at the end of her rope. Can you see her? I can. I'd be just so over it. The most moving part of this miracle, in my opinion, is that she just knew. "If I just touch him..." She knew. She didn't know Jesus. She'd just heard about him, and she knew. Unwavering faith. I'd like to think I'd be just as bold and brave, but having had hopes up, only to have them crushed again, I don't think my faith would make me well. It's that whole, "Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief." 

I was texting with my friend, Fayelle earlier this week, and I was honest and candid with her about a few things pertaining to the disciples. The first thing I admitted? "Man, if I was in the midst of a storm, on a boat, and Jesus was back there just sleeping, I'd be saying, "it's time for you to give a crap now!" I would be pissed, and He'd hear about it. Ha. 

The second thing I admitted to Fayelle? I think I'm more like Thomas than any other disciple. I love Jesus, know what I know, yet sometimes I doubt. If it were me seeing our newly risen Lord, I'd not just be poking my hand in his side, I'd be sticking my head in: "yep! It's legit!"

I'm so thankful that the Gospel and blessed assurance is not just for those who have unshakable, unwavering faith, but for the doubting Thomas in all of us.