by Mark Weinrich

Jesus said, “It is not good to take the children’s
bread and throw it to the dogs.” Matthew 15:26

No matter how she begged 
and petitioned,
this man hailed as the Messiah
would not give in. 
His disciples wanted to send her away.
But it was better not to test her desperation. 
They would have to drag her.
This man was the only hope 
for her demon possessed daughter.

She begged and cried for help again.
He insisted, he was only sent
to lost people of Israel.

But then her heart trembled with surprise
at the way he’d said “dogs.”
He hadn’t cursed her as a wild Gentile dog, 
rather the opposite, he’d used the word
for little dogs or puppies. She thought
there was almost a glimmer in his eyes.
She pictured a puppy gleaning crumbs
beneath its owner’s table. She seized
a crumb of faith. “Yes Lord, even the puppies
feed on the crumbs, that fall from 
the master’s table.”

Jesus laughed, not in scorn, but delight.
He was delighted with her response.
“O woman…”
She couldn’t believe his joyous smile
beaming at her.
“…your faith is great, it shall be done for you
as you wish.”

And her daughter was healed at once.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 139 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.