I went through the Bible looking for stories of what it was like to live in the Kingdom of God here on earth. I found a lot of miracles of healing, which I have experienced myself. This story about Dorcas really touched my heart. Do you know a woman like this—one who quietly goes about her life with a heart for others? Here’s my retelling of her story from Acts 9:36-42.

They had done all they could: washed her body, combed and dressed her hair, and covered her with a linen cloth. But the widows couldn’t bear to leave the house in which the body of their beloved benefactor lay. Her name was Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas).

“Dorcas didn’t talk much. I think she was a shy person at heart.”

“She was a good listener though; she never forgot anything I told her.”

“I think Dorcas said everything she needed to say with her needle and thread.”

“Yes, and with food. I never left her house without a gift of bread or figs.”

“I helped wash her body, but I still can’t believe she’s really dead! What will we do without her?”

Petepaused at the top of the stairs with the two men who had fetched him from Lydda. He watched as the women alternately wailed with sorrow and comforted each other. Dorcas had not only been their benefactor, she had been their dear friend.

“Who is that?” One woman nodded toward the men stepping onto the rooftop.

“Where? Oh, look! The apostle Peter has come!”

The women pulled him to the doorway of Dorcas’ guest room, all taking at once: “Look at this coat Dorcas made for me!” “We had nothing, and sister Dorcas never let us go hungry.” “I wanted to pay, so she asked me fetch water in exchange for this robe.” “Just a few days ago she was laughing with us, and now she’s gone.” “She was always so kind, I can’t believe she’s dead.” And the wailing began again.

Peter held up his hand for silence. “Please, leave me alone with your beloved friend.” Reluctantly, with backward glances and stifled sobs, the women slowly left the room. One positioned herself so that she could see into the room without being seen.

Peter knelt and prayed. The observer mimed praying to the others. The women waited anxiously, and some knelt and mouthed silent prayers. And they waited. And waited. “Ssst,” the watcher got their attention and mimed walking with two fingers, stopping beside the bed. The women held their breath and strained their ears.

“Tabitha, get up.”

Some shook their heads at the absurdity of Peter’s words. Some gasped, and other shushed them, straining to listen for a response. Some raised their eyes and hands to heaven in supplication.

The bed creaked, and the observer clapped her hand to her mouth, tears flowing down her cheeks. “What?!” hissed the others. “Tell us!” She pointed to the doorway, and there stood Dorcas, leaning on Peter’s arm.

“The Lord has returned her to you,” Peter told them. This good news became known all over Joppa, and many put their trust in the Lord