March’s 2011 Step-by-Step Newsletter article . . .
It is not usually pretty nor is it pleasant, but from time to time we have all been “bent out of shape” about something. There simply are moments or even extended periods of time when we are emotionally and/or spiritually bent over or out of shape.
Every so often I see someone bent over from arthritis or the after effects of a childhood disease and as they age it increases. I feel for them as it must be difficult not to look up.
It reminds me of a biblical story…. 
The crowds were gathering around Jerusalem to hear the traveling great teacher and healer. He captivated people with his stories and his profoundly evident and persuasive inner authority. It drew in the crowds.
One sabbath day everyone was jostling for a place in the meeting house to see and hear him.
Women were generally marginalized in those days, but they too were deeply attracted to this kind but firm teacher. That may have been why even the “bent over woman” found her way into the crowds.
Barely noticeable in the crowd, she found a spot. She was not able to look up and around as she was so bent over from eighteen years of living with an infirmity that she could not straighten up. Some even say she was “bent over and twisted.”
She could listen, however, and just maybe renew her spirit. It is possible that the last thing she had in mind was to be called to the front of the crowds for all to see. That would draw too much attention.
But suddenly the brilliant teacher “be-held” her. He more than saw her. More than gave her a noticing glance. He held her being in his gaze and called her over to him. She felt a surge of mysterious energy and hope.
People likely said, “Yes, he called YOU. Go!” They stepped aside and helped her along as she falteringly made her way through the crowd to him.
He touched her and simply said, “You are released from your infirmity.”
“You are free.”
A miracle happened. She stood up straight and praised God.
The president of the temple was a knowledgeable man, well versed in the law and raised to obey it faithfully and precisely. He felt justified and rightfully agitated enough to call out to the crowd and remind them, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured and not on the sabbath day.” (NRSV) So there you have it. A wet blanket kind of silence fell on the crowd.
Still on his mission of radical love, The Great Teacher retorted, “That is hypocritical! Each of you unleash your donkeys and oxen so they are free to drink on the Sabbath!”
The leader and other supporters with him were embarrassed and did not know what to say. The point was clear. But the masterful Teacher drove the point home. “Just as oxen and donkeys can be freed to drink, why shouldn’t she be freed to do what she was designed to do?” (Greatly paraphrased by me).
Love and mercy trumped perfection.
The crowd cheered.
I hear myself joining them.
I am no biblical scholar and I have taken some story telling liberties here, but you can read the story for yourself in Luke’s gospel (chapter thirteen). As a physician, Luke seemed to enjoy stories of healing. As a life coach for parents, so do I.
I can relate to the bent over and apparently misshapen woman. And I believe most of you can too. We need freedom from being tied up with “infirmities” such as fear, guilt, worry, perfectionism and a host of other things that keep us bent over. We want the freedom to look up with a full vision of all that is possible! After all, looking down at one’s shoes or the ground is not inspiring. Freedom looks up.
What “bends you out of shape?” What is your infirmity? What keeps you from looking up or cripples your dreams?
Sometimes just taking a step outside our comfort zone and seeking guidance leads us to healing. It sure worked for her and it has often worked for me. One thing for sure, we are designed to stand up straight.
And I believe that we too have the power of love and compassion to free each other. Let’s truly be alert to where we can touch another’s life this week. It could just be a warm smile in the grocery line. You never know. Maybe they are on their way home from getting very bad news at the doctor’s office. I met someone like that last week! She was/is my neighbor, but in the human sense we are all neighbors. Being a healing presence does not mean we must be saints or famous. We just must be in the here and now of life.