adapted from Mark 5:22-43 by Kimsey C. Wade

"Do something!" Daddy pleaded. "Anything!"

"I’m trying, Jairus," the doctor replied. "She’s not responding. I don’t know what else to do."

"Please, don’t give up!" Mama cried. "She’s only a child."

Daddy paced the room, wringing his hands. I could see he was praying. He leaned over and tenderly stroked my feverish face with a cool cloth.

"Hold on, Little One," he whispered, kissing my forehead.

I forced a weak smile. I loved Daddy, and I knew he loved me.

The room began to grow dark, and I struggled to breathe. The voices of the doctor and my mother faded. . . .

"We’re losing her!" the doctor said.

"No!" Mama cried.

Jairus rushed out the front door. "Where are you going?" neighbors asked.

"To find Jesus!" Jairus replied. "He’s the only hope for my daughter."

"Jesus?!" a tall, bearded man spat. "He hangs out with known sinners!"

"He also heals people!" Jairus said firmly, pushing past the man. "The doctor has done all he can. Only Jesus can help her."

"Jairus, think about what you’re risking!" another bearded man said, grabbing Jairus’ arm. "You’re the leader of the synagogue. What will the people think if you bring this man to your house?"

"I don’t care!" Jairus shouted, shaking free from the man’s grasp. "My daughter is dying!"

Finding Jesus wasn’t difficult. He stood on the beach, surrounded by a mass of people. Jairus pushed his way to the front of the crowd and knelt before Jesus.

"My daughter is nearly dead," Jairus begged. "Please come and place Your hands on her. Only You can make her well."

"Where is she?" Jesus asked.

Jairus jumped up and began leading Jesus to his house. As usual, the crowd followed. Everyone wanted to be near Jesus. They bumped into each other, squeezing tighter around Him. Suddenly Jesus stopped and turned around.

"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.

"Master, many people have bumped into You," one of the disciples replied.

Jesus searched the faces of the people surrounding Him. Jairus waited, tortured by thoughts of his dying daughter. Finally a frightened woman stepped out of the crowd and fell at Jesus’ feet.

"I touched You, Master," the woman said. "For the last 12 years, I’ve spent everything I have trying to find a cure for my illness. I’m worse than before, and my money is gone. I heard You could heal. I knew if I touched Your clothes, I’d be cured."

"Daughter, your faith has made you well," Jesus said. "Go in peace."

Jesus continued to talk to the woman. The delay fed Jairus’ growing desperation. Someone called out his name. He recognized the messengers. Their expressions made Jairus’ heart sink.

"Your daughter died," they said. "Come home. There’s no reason to bring Jesus with you now."

The news stunned Jairus. He glanced at the crowd and the woman who had delayed Jesus. Then he looked into Jesus’ eyes.

"Don’t be afraid, Jairus," He said. "Trust in me."

"Everyone else stay here," Jesus ordered the crowd. "Peter, James and John, come with us."

The small group arrived at Jairus’ house. Friends and neighbors cried hysterically. Jesus walked inside and spoke to the mourners.

"Why are you crying?" He asked. "The child isn’t dead. She’s sleeping."

"You’re crazy!" one mourner said. "We know death when we see it."

Others agreed, and they mocked Jesus.

"Out!" Jesus demanded. "All of you!"

The mourners filed out slowly, muttering about Jesus. Only Jesus, Jairus and his wife, and the disciples remained. They went into the girl’s bedroom. Jesus tenderly took the little girl’s hand.

"Little girl, get up!" Jesus said.

I jumped out of bed and began walking around the room.

"Daddy! Mama!" I cried, throwing my arms around them. "What happened? I remember hearing voices, and then . . ."

"Everything is perfect, Little One!" Daddy said. He, Mama and three men I didn’t recognize shouted and danced around my room! I studied the other Man, standing by my bed.

"Don’t explain to anyone what happened," He said to Daddy. "Let this be your joy."

I recognized His voice but didn’t recall seeing Him before.

Daddy and Mama nodded. Tears rolled down their cheeks.

"Why are you crying, Daddy?" I asked.

"Because I love you," Daddy said. "Thank You, Jesus."

Now I knew the Man’s name. I smiled at Him, and He smiled back. My stomach growled.

"Give her something to eat," Jesus said to Mama. "She’s alive, well and hungry!"

Daddy squeezed my shoulder. "Let’s eat, Little One."

	Q: How do you spell mousetrap with only three letters? A: C-A-T. Ashley M., 12, Virginia Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe