“Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” (Mark 10:49)
 
How long did you know, Bartimaeus, of darkness your closest ally?
Dressed as you were in mean poverty, limitations restricting all sides.
 
How long did you sit by the roadside, begging for someone to care?
Was your cry like a trumpet in earnest, blaring for someone to hear?
 
Had reports of the healings reached you, by the man they described as the Christ?
In your stark covering of blindness, had you thought that he’d hear your voice?
 
How long did you cry out for mercy, how long did you plead for a turn?
What strength of soul possessed you, to keep calling and not be deterred?
 
How’d you feel when he suddenly beckoned, when you threw off your cloak and you ran?
You sprang up and flew to him quickly, the Healer with power in his hands.
 
He touched you with only his strong voice, his powerful words fetched the dawn.
Blindness could no longer linger; his love brought the wonders you sought.
 
We’re grateful you knew Christ could heal you; we salute you for not giving up!
We applaud you for being persistent, when many had called you to stop.
 
And now, Bartimaeus of Jericho, you suddenly walk a new course.
Jesus has stripped you of darkness, bathed you in light’s power source.

Your story of faith in the Savior, is truth for our minds to believe,
When seated in our place of darkness, his power can still bring relief.
 
Though ages have settled between us, your cry is the same on our watch.
Lord, bring us your mercy and healing, needy, we beg for your touch.
 
Elizabeth Ann Mitchell