Mary Letter Day Twelve

In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame; 

deliver me in your righteousness. 

Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me. 

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. 

Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, 

for you are my tower of strength. 

Into your hands I commend my spirit,  

for you have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth. 

I hate those who cling to worthless idols, 

and I put my trust in the Lord. 

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; 

for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress. 

You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy;  

you have set my feet in an open place. Psalm 31:1-8

Dear Auntie Elizabeth,

I realized today that becoming a mother is very humbling! It's not just that everyone in our community has been so unkind, but it is very public, and folks can't help but wag their tongues. On top of that, I had a visit from the wise women, who are friends of Mamas from a neighboring village. This was a full-on examination! I really wasn't ready for all their advice and how thoroughly the checked me out. I was red as a beet before they were done with me and embarrassed into silence. Being a woman is so very hard. Mama stayed in the room with me the whole time, which was very kind. Papa and Joseph made themselves scarce as soon as they arrived!

Their verdict is that I am due sooner than I thought, and if we were to travel to Bethlehem, we ought to get on it. They said babies wait for no one's schedule and they have their own time! I was so overwhelmed, I cried after they finally left. When Papa and Joseph returned, we had to explain to them the timeline, despite their discomfort and change the plans for travel. That also means the wedding will happen as soon as we can get the Rabbi here. Yikes! I am so overwhelmed!  I sat outside after they left and pondered the stars although it gave me no comfort. I feel like I'm surrounded and trapped. And I do trust the Lord but have to question his choices and his timing. Oh Auntie, I hope I am strong enough to handle all of this!

much love,

Mary