The Bleeding Woman: A Biblical Short Story

Last updated on: March 31, 2019 at 5:27 pm by Kelley Mathews

The Bleeding Woman: A Biblical Short Story 2019-03-31T17:27:55-05:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Rarely do the Bible authors describe every detail in a given story. We know that we have all we need in Scripture, but sometimes, especially in the narrative or story-telling passages, we could use some cultural and emotional details to help bring those people more to life in our minds.

What color was Sarah’s robe when she listened to the three angels predict her impending pregnancy (Gen. 18:12)? Was it windy and dusty? Hot? Did she have a maidservant inside making bread, laughing with her? We’ll never know, of course, but imagining such details helps place a real person from long ago more firmly in our minds so that we come to understand her a bit better.

My friend Rebecca Carrell loves to develop the stories of biblical characters as a means to understanding them better. Part of her personal devotion and Bible study process sometimes includes jotting down “what if” details about a given story in Scripture. These creative writing projects help her enter into the mindset of that person, or what she might have been thinking and feeling, in the context of her story. How did Sarah feel? What might Mary have been thinking when she “pondered” the visit from the shepherds (Luke 2:19)? These sorts of questions find creative license in a fictional short story.

So, what you are about to read isn’t scripture, but it’s based on a biblical story. The details are made up, but within contextual and cultural bounds to be plausible. Enter in as Rebecca imagines what it must have been like to live with a bleeding illness for twelve years and then meet the Teacher who would change your life.

Previous Post

March 14, 2019

Gritty and Graceful: 15 Inspiring Bible Stories for Young Readers

Next Post

April 7, 2019 Read This Book: The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the main literary style of Psalms and Proverbs?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Prophecy Apocalypse Historical narrative Poetry

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »