One of the most powerful stories of the character of Jesus was the woman with the issue of blood. The social context of the time is important because women who were on their menstrual cycle were deemed unclean.
“‘When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. 21 Anyone who touches her bed will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening.” (Leviticus 15:19-21)
This woman had been suffering for years. She was sequestered to a life of loneliness, Levitical law and limited opportunities.
The nature of Jesus shines through in the interaction:
“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.” (Matthew 9:20-22)
“Take heart,” Jesus says to her. His response is full of compassion, hope and empathy. Jesus gets periods. His heart is to break shame, bring healing and provide hope. It is in this context that we can also be an extension of Jesus in a practical way by alleviating the suffering of so many women and girls who find themselves without the proper resources and barriers that come with their menstrual cycle.
May 28, 2024 is Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Day across the World. In developing nations women’s options of menstrual hygiene materials are typically limited by costs, access and cultural norms. It has been shown that the lack of availability to hygiene management products can keep girls home from school. One of the greatest challenges is clean water and restrooms that are lacking. Having open conversations about menstruation is challenging in many traditional cultures. This limits access to relevant and important information about the normal functions of the female body. This impacts their health, education and dignity.
Through our Girls Empowerment Programs, we are directly touching and transforming lives of girls who would otherwise live in the shadows missing out on their future selves. We have open conversations and educate girls on how God made them with purpose on purpose including how their bodies function. We empower them through education of how to take care of their bodies and tools to manage their periods. We resource them with feminine hygiene kits and sanitation skills.
As a mother of two girls navigating this season of life is challenging. I can’t imagine how much more it is for these girls who have so many more barriers. I’m thankful for our Girls Empowerment staff in East Africa who go and educate these young ladies that nothing can stop them…(period).
Together, we can change HER world!
Just like Jesus said Take Heart to that woman and relieved her suffering, you can gift the gift of take heart by donating to our Women’s and Girls Empowerment Programs.
