Finding Strength in Unexpected Places

We all know what it’s like to feel like we’re on the outside looking in. Maybe it’s at work, in a social group, or even within our own families. We can feel overlooked, unworthy, like we’re only entitled to the scraps – the crumbs from someone else’s table.

The story of the woman in Matthew 15 and Mark 7 really hits home. She was a Gentile, an outsider, asking Jesus for help for her daughter. In the cultural context of the time, she wasn’t part of the “in-crowd.” Jesus’ initial response was tough, but her reply? Pure gold. She acknowledged her position but didn’t let it define her. She believed that even the “crumbs” of Jesus’ power were enough to heal her daughter.

What’s so amazing about this story is how relevant it is today. We all face moments where we feel like we’re just getting by on crumbs – crumbs of recognition, crumbs of opportunity, crumbs of love. But this story reminds us that even those crumbs can be enough. It’s about having the faith to believe that even a little bit of hope, a little bit of kindness, a little bit of help can make a huge difference. It’s about recognizing our own worth, even when the world tries to tell us we’re not enough. It’s about finding strength in unexpected places and never giving up on the possibility of a miracle, no matter how small the chance may seem.