I am Mary

I love my Bible.  Every time I pick it up, there is perfect wisdom waiting to fill my soul.  No matter how many times I read it, it is new every morning, lifting my spirit and narrowing my focus on the will of my Father.  My Bible is worn with years of use and smudged with tears of joy and sorrow and frustration.

Recently, I was making my through Luke.  As I read the account of Mary, I realized that Mary’s story was not only the story of the young woman chosen to be the mother of our Savior, but it was my story as well.  You see, both Mary and I were filled with the Holy Spirit.  We were both chosen to carry our Savior - she in her womb and I in my heart.  We were both highly favored and blessed among women.  Mary and I, when we encountered the God of universe answered “Be it unto me according to thy word”.

And if you are a follower of “The Way”, then Mary’s story is your story as well.  You, too, were called from among the people.  You were filled with the Holy Spirit.  You, in essence, became the “handmaid” of the Lord.

Think of it - Mary was just like you and I.  She was nothing special.  She was not from a wealthy family.  She was not highly educated.  We don’t know if she was physically beautiful, but if she was, it was never mentioned.  She was just an ordinary girl. Yet she was chosen to bear the Savior of the world.  And, you - you ordinary, imperfect, undeserving human being, were also chosen.  You were chosen to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to bear the Savior to the lost.  You were chosen to be the Lord’s handmaiden (or servant, if you prefer) and, in perfect faith say “Be it unto me according to thy Word”.

Now, I sing Mary’s song with a new voice.  I sing it with my voice, knowing that it is my song and my voice will rise to the heavens…

“My soul doth magnify the Lord.  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.  For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.  For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.  He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their harts.  He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.  He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”  Luke 1 47:55

Today, remember who you are.  You, dear ones, are chosen among the people.