What can you decern by looking at this picture? A young woman being prepped for surgery? Yes. Is she upbeat or fearful? She is smiling and flashing the "I love you" hand sign. I'd say VERY upbeat, almost excited. Why?
Well . . .
This is Emily Damari. She was one of the hostages recently released by Hamas. She had two of her fingers shot off on October 7th, 2023. If you look closer at the picture of her hand you can see that her 3rd and 4th fingers are not folded over. They're gone! Yet, she smiles. Why?
Of course, I can only guess but she is no longer being kept in tunnels (where she was held for 471 days). She is finally being treated for the nerve damage caused by her wounds. She was in constant pain during her captivity. Her physical pain is finally coming to an end. But what about her emotional and psychological pain? When will that subside?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
We all suffer pain in this life. Most of OUR pain is nothing compared to what this young lady went though. Perhaps her purpose now is to serve as a visual reminder of perseverance and hope. She has accomplished that already.
In the JNS article (link below) she thanked President Trump for getting her out and also asked that he get the remaining hostages out as well.
Emily was given a gift. That's for sure. But her thanks and praise are directed to human hands. She speaks of hell (in the tunnels) and miracles (her survival) but never mentions God at any time.
Perhaps Emily will one day realize that the reason she was set free was not due to the efforts of any one man. Its roots are in the grace, love, and mercy of the Lord God Almighty.
We must continue to pray for the remaining hostages as well as their families. Even prayers for Hamas, that God would soften their hearts.
It is good to see Emily smile. Hopefully, one day, she will smile because she is standing before Jesus, having accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. He has already saved her once. May He do so again.
One final thought. Look at Emily's hand again. A permanent reminder of God's love . . . a permant 'I love you" for all to see.
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:3-4
Lord, please heal Emily's emotional and physical pain. Also, heal her heart, and her hand. Prepare her heart as she testifies to others about what she went through. But most importantly, heal her soul through the shed blood of Jesus. Her testimony will be a powerful one. May she thank YOU and praise YOU for her safe return as she shares it. In you merciful name I pray. Amen.
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