Mary Letter Day Four

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. 

 He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. 

 He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 

 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; 

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; 

you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Dear Auntie,

I am so excited to see you! It will be wonderful to be with another woman growing a child for the first time. And, it will be great to be away from home for a time. My parents are worried and fretting all the time about my health and my future. Even though the wise woman told them that I was very healthy, and the baby was well and strong, they still are upset when they look at me. Over these last days, I have come to realize who close the Lord is to me and to us. Fretting and fear get in the way of knowing thar. I am working hard to put fear aside and trust Yahweh completely. What else can I do, really?

The exam by the wise woman was awkward and embarrassing.  Fortunately, Mama stayed in the room with me, holding my hand and comforting me. It wasn't painful really, just so uncomfortable. The exam did make one thing very clear - I indeed had never been with a man. My parents were relieved by that news but still are anxious for my future. I am too, Elizabeth, but I have to trust the Lord. It is difficult when my own folks are trembling with anxiety. I know they love me completely. I will be glad to be away from this fear that has seemed to take over our home.

I am hoping that Joseph can accompany my cousin Jonah who is driving me in our cart to your house. We have a good deal to talk about out of the earshot of my parents. He has been very kind and has gotten over his initial anger at the situation "I put everyone in." He seems to have softened, and I hope to find out why. Well, we're off in the morning, so I will get this letter off to you.

Much love,

Mary