Mary Letter - Day 9

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; *

 let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * 

let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 

3 Show me your ways, O Lord, * and teach me your paths. 

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * 

for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long. 

5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, * 

for they are from everlasting. 

6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * 

remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. 

7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; *

 therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 

8 He guides the humble in doing right * 

and teaches his way to the lowly. 

9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness * 

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

10 For your Name's sake, O Lord, * 

forgive my sin, for it is great. 

11 Who are they who fear the Lord? * 

he will teach them the way that they should choose. 

12 They shall dwell in prosperity, * 

and their offspring shall inherit the land. 

13 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him *

 and will show them his covenant. 

14 My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, * 

for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. 

15 Turn to me and have pity on me, * 

for I am left alone and in misery. 

16 The sorrows of my heart have increased; * 

bring me out of my troubles. 

17 Look upon my adversity and misery * 

and forgive me all my sin. 

18 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, * 

and they bear a violent hatred against me. 

19 Protect my life and deliver me; * 

let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you. 

20 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, * 

for my hope has been in you. 

21 Deliver Israel, O God, *

 out of all his troubles. Psalm 25

Dear Elizabeth.

I am home safely and your nephew James was very kind in escorting me home. He wouldn't eat in our home before he left, but Mama packed him a basket for the trip homeward. He is worried about you and wants to be back home to do what he can when your time comes. I'm never sure what men are able to do during women's work, but I am sure Zechariah needs plenty of company and support. 

Mama has finished my gown and the cooking has begun. The rabbi is coming from a fair distance, he is a distant relative of Papa, since the our local Rabbi is not willing to marry us. Joseph is really hurt by his behavior. I am sad and a bit angry that the man who has known me all my life doesn't believe or trust either of us. He even told Papa that we were lucky we weren't being stoned! How is that faith leaders are so cruel and heartless? How can he talk about listening to God when he thinks our call from God is wrong. Joseph feels bad that he confided in him now. There's no going back. We will have to go ahead, one step at a time, trusting that God will find a way.

I really enjoyed our time together. I learned so much from you and feel so much more at peace with what I have to face. I am praying for you as you await the arrival of that miracle baby. Any day now!

much love,

Mary