Mary Letter, Day Twelve

1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; 

let me never be put to shame; * 

deliver me in your righteousness. 

 2 Incline your ear to me; * 

make haste to deliver me. 

 3 Be my strong rock, a castle 

to keep me safe, for you are 

my crag and my stronghold; * 

for the sake of your Name, 

lead me and guide me. 

 4 Take me out of the net that 

they have secretly set for me, * 

for you are my tower of strength. 

5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, * 

for you have redeemed me, 

O Lord, O God of truth. 

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols, * 

and I put my trust in the Lord. 

 7 I will rejoice and be glad 

because of your mercy; * 

for you have seen my affliction; 

you know my distress. 

 8 You have not shut me up 

in the power of the enemy; * 

you have set my feet in an open place. 

 9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, 

for I am in trouble; * 

my eye is consumed with sorrow, 

and also my throat and my belly. 

 10 For my life is wasted with grief, 

and my years with sighing; * 

my strength fails me because of affliction, 

and my bones are consumed. 

11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies 

and even to my neighbors, a dismay 

to those of my acquaintance; * 

when they see me in the street they avoid me. 

12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; * 

I am as useless as a broken pot. 

 13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; 

fear is all around; * 

they put their heads together against me; 

they plot to take my life. 

14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. * 

I have said, "You are my God. 

 15 My times are in your hand; * 

rescue me from the hand of my enemies, 

and from those who persecute me. 

16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, * 

and in your loving-kindness save me." Psalm 31:1-16

Dear Auntie,

We had a few quiet days this week and then things have gone a bit sideways. We thought we might be on the road tonight, but we have had to hold off for a day or two. We had a visit from our local Rabbi this afternoon, along with some members of his council. He was very angry that he was not informed of our marriage and was yelling at Papa. They have said he may not come to Temple for an unnamed period. After they left, Mama broke down in tears. It was so painful, and Joseph and I listened in horror. The leadership blames us for our misbehavior, when we are just following the Lord. They refuse to hear our stories; they have just decided to judge us. That hurt so much and delayed all of our preparations.

We sat outside last night and talked about our travel arrangements. Even though Papa doesn't think I need to know the details, but Joseph wanted to share them with me and make sure I am fine with the plans. He said he considered me his partner, and that we were in this together, so I need to be on board with everything we do. Noone else might understand us, he said, but we know we have been called and sent by our God. Everyday, I am more and more grateful for Joseph. He never treats me like an ignorant girl. He honors me and tend so kindly to my needs and feelings.

Thank you for your letter and your stories of your little one. He sounds so handsome and bright! I so wish you could see me now, I am so round! It sounds like Zacariah is totally taken by his little son. I am so glad for both of you!

Much love,

Mary