Long ago, sailors told of Sirens—creatures whose song was so beautiful it wrecked lives. In Homer’s Odyssey, the hero Odysseus is sailing home from war. A wise guide warns him: “Their music will promise knowledge and comfort, but it leads to ruin.” So Odysseus makes a plan. He melts beeswax and seals his crew’s ears so they can’t hear. He has them tie him tightly to the mast and orders, “No matter what I yell, don’t untie me.” When the ship nears the island, the voices sound persuasive and kind—“Turn aside, rest, you deserve it”—and Odysseus begs to steer toward them. The crew rows on, ears guarded, eyes forward, and the ship passes safely. He doesn’t debate, engage with or listen to the voices; he filters them.

That picture helps us understand Luke 8:49–56. Jairus is with Jesus when messengers arrive: “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.” Their message sounds realistic and rational. It sounds final. Jesus answers, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Then he filters the room. He sends out the wailers who have already decided the ending and the mockers who laugh at faith. He keeps a small circle—Peter, James, John, and the parents—takes the child’s hand, and says, “Child, get up.” And she does.

In times of crisis, misleading voices, whispers of hopelessness multiply. Some sound kind: “Stop trying.” Some sound practical: “There’s nothing to be done.” Some are scornful: “Don’t be naïve.” They feel wise and grounded because they name the pain and measure the odds. But Jesus shows another wisdom: not a denial of facts, but a clearing of space so the greater reality—God’s presence and power—can be heard. 

When the news is bad, when the statistics are heavy, when your own heart feels tired, let the Lord teach you and help you to make a holy boundary. Turn down the noise that drags you to surrender. Keep close to the people who will pray with you and continue to believe. Hold fast to the words of Christ—“Do not be afraid; only believe”—and keep walking towards his light, presence and power. The same Jesus who took the girl by the hand rules your life. Clear the space for his voice. Fix your trust on his power. And hear him call your name and tell you: “Child, get up.”