To calmly persist

In the New Testament, Matthew relates a beautiful story about a persistent mother seeking help from Jesus for her daughter, whom she said was possessed by a demon (see Matthew 15:22–28). 

The mother’s pure love for her daughter, and the poise, intelligence, and calm persistence she expressed, trumped every obstacle against her. She recognized Jesus as the Messiah and had heard about his extraordinary healing works, so she called out to him urgently, loudly, and repeatedly. But she was a Canaanite and not a Jew. The disciples pleaded with Jesus to send her away, but nothing deterred the woman. 

When Jesus finally turned to her, he indicated that his mission was to the Hebrew people. But the woman persisted, humbly asking for even a crumb of the healing Truth. Jesus responded, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” The account concludes, “And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” The mother’s unwavering love and persistence opened the way for the Christ to reveal her daughter’s innate health.