Mary Letter Day Three

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger; do not punish me in your wrath.

Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are racked. 

My spirit shakes with terror; how long, O Lord, how long? 

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me for your mercy's sake. 

For in death no one remembers you; and who will give you thanks in the grave? 

I grow weary because of my groaning; every night I drench my bed and flood my couch with tears. 

My eyes are wasted with grief and worn away because of all my enemies. 

Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. 

The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer. 

All my enemies shall be confounded and quake with fear; they shall turn back and suddenly be put to shame. Psalm 6

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope you don't think I'm crazy, but I had a dream or vision last night that shocked me to the core. I don't really know how to handle it. I just have to tell you about it. I awoke to see an angel, bright with warm light, who told me the child within me is holy, planted there by the living God. I was told I am carrying the Messiah of the world! It was so real, I felt faint and began to weep. He told me not to be afraid, for I am favored of the Lord. I said I am a handmaid of the Lord and would do as I am called to do. It was extraordinarily real and overwhelming too.

I told Mama and Papa about it at breakfast, and they looked at me with deep worry and said very little. They are planning to send me to visit you in the next day or so. Mama wants me examined before I go by the wise woman who lives next door. She is kind and a good friend, not given to gossip. I think they are sending me to you to get my troubles out of the way for a bit. I know they are planning to negotiate with Joseph about putting me aside. They believed Joseph when he told them he was not responsible. Joseph was very kind despite the situation. The engagement may be off and I will be on my own! I'm scared.

Auntie, I really look forward to being with you and learning from you. You always make me feel welcomed and at home with you. Please pray for me as it is very hard these days.

Love,

Mary