2 Kings 5:1-14 (Naaman, the Leper)
Stories of leprosy in the Bible have special interest to me. While living in Liberia, Africa, one of my many parishes was a leprosy center near-by. I would traditionally walk (or ride a bike) there for worship services or visiting the sick, serving this community set aside because of their leprosy and the stigma that went along with it.
Among the additional contacts I had with them was the purchasing of fresh pork which they delivered to my door. They had a hog farm on their compound where they raised and butchered the pigs when ready for market. Those who would buy from them were often missionaries or other foreigners who lived in Liberia as the locals were afraid of the leprosy these people carried. They were lacking toes or fingers or had scars on their faces and neck—all signs of the leprosy that was eating away their bodies. Because those who did the butchering often lacked fingers, the cut meat was rough and the exact piece of pork somewhat unidentifiable. Our purchasing their pork gave them critical money resources.
Various arts and crafts were also carried out. Some men and women discovered that they had an artistic gift which was not to be defined or hindered by their lack of fingers. From them I bought a carving of an elephant which is my absolute favorite. It does not look like the other carvings of elephants which I collected during my time in Liberia which are “properly” shaped. This one has its own distinct characteristics. Yet, it is special to me. I have a good idea of how difficult it must have been for the man who did this work. To see him hold a tool with his palms and a thumb and then form an elephant or deer was miraculous.
Is it not possible that carving animals and things he saw in nature or in his mind was a type of healing for him? Was this not a way for him to feel whole again despite his deformities? There were many lepers who had found ways to be productive, whole people despite their leprosy.
In the Biblical story of Naaman the leper, we read how Naaman wanted a miraculous, dramatic cure. It took his servants to remind Naaman that God does not necessarily use big, tumultuous means to bring wholeness or newness to his children. Elisha merely said, “Wash, and be clean.” Through those simple words and waters of an insignificant creek, Naaman was made whole.
A take-away for me is that despite that which cripples, limits, or hinders me from being the “perfect” person I wish I was, God has designed for me healing moments where I can express my wholeness. Maybe I can still paint, sing, write, carve, bake, make birdhouses, care for animals, send words of encouragement to others, baby-sit, coach, hike, or tell my faith story to others. You can add your own niche of talents or interests to the list. Praise God for these gifts that bring joy to yourself, your family, your community. Sometimes your gift changes the lives of others whether you know it or not.
Prayer: Thank you God for the healing you give to me through the small things I can do. When even those things evade me, draw me ever nearer to you through prayer, memory, and your all-enduring love. Amen.
Song: “There Is a Balm in Gilead” – An African American Spiritual