Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
For they shall soon wither like the grass, and like the green grass fade away.
Put your trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
Take delight in the Lord, and he shall give you your heart's desire.
Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, and he will bring it to pass.
He will make your righteousness as clear as the light and your just dealing as the noonday.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, the one who succeeds in evil schemes.
Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil.
For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait upon the Lord shall possess the land.
In a little while the wicked shall be no more; you shall search out their place, but they will not be there.
But the lowly shall possess the land; they will delight in abundance of peace. Psalm 37:1-12
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for your letter and your good news! I am sorry I couldn't be with you for the celebration of your child, John. I am so looking forward to seeing you three, but it doesn't seem like a good idea for me to travel to you. Papa and Joseph have been working to keep me safe and make sure this child is born healthy. Mama was harassed at the market yesterday and Papa is angry with our friends' and neighbors' behavior. They said horrible things to her, one refused to sell her good she needed, and she came home in tears. So, we have been hunkered down, all together here at home. The men have agreed to do the shopping for Mama. I was so surprised! I am also grateful since it breaks my heart to see her so upset.
The baby is moving quite a bit these days. Auntie, I remember when little baby John kicked my hand when it was on your tummy, now here I am with a hearty kicker too. Joseph likes to feel the baby kick, although he gets embarrassed touching my belly. Joseph has been so gentle and kind and is planning to move in with us once we are married. I think that will happen next week. We have to be married in secret, so we will miss a boisterous celebration. I will be happy to have him nearby. He's so good at helping me be calm. He reads to me some nights by candlelight. Sometimes he reads from the Torah and sometimes he reads or sings the Psalms of David. I am so grateful and a bit afraid of being married. Joseph is not the problem, it's me. I am overwhelmed by carrying this child, so getting married seems like so much more. I don't know how to be a wife! Pray for us as we do you.
love,
Mary
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