#sheknew

First of all... the answer to the question is YES!  She knew....  Sorry to give away the answer before I've even asked the question, but I believe she knew!  I believe she was confused and couldn't answer questions... but she knew.

Our character today is Mary.  A young girl, visited by an angel who told of pregnancy from the Holy Spirit, instructed to name her son "Immanuel- God is with Us" and "Jesus- Son of the Most High",  informed he would be given a throne to rule over Jacob's descendants, told of her cousin's son to be born.... within a few months Mary's life changed.  Her life changed in a way she would have never imagined.  I still can't fathom this young girl with all this information!  It's hard to process.

When I get to heaven I want to find Mary... I want to ask her all about her life.  I look to her and see a woman who had a hard, hard life.  I'm sure she was talked about because she was pregnant and not married and no one ever really believed it was from the Holy Spirit.  I'm sure she had a hard life watching her Son preach, teach, and be criticized by all authority on earth.  It had to be hard even though she knew and was proud deep down.  And not part of the Christmas story, but it needs to be noted... she was there when he hung on the cross.  She watched it all.  Sometimes women are seen as weak and unable to handle tragedy.  Mary is our example to live by.

Two things I want to point out about Mary that make my heart happy....

1.  Mary encouraged Jesus to "show his power".  She was there for the first miracle.  Jesus turned the water into wine.  His mother believed in him and encouraged him to fix the situation.  I want to be like Mary in that regard.  I love to encourage my children to do things.... okay, sometimes I have to bribe and force.... but I want them to never look back and regret not taking an opportunity to do something.

2.  After Jesus ascended into Heaven... Mary was still there.  She was with the disciples in constant prayer when they were deciding to choose Matthias to replace Judas.  She never stopped praying.  As a mother, that's me.... I should never stop praying.

As you get involved in the hustle and bustle of today with shopping, college championship football games, or sitting and watching Hallmark movies... remember two things... Encourage your children and others to take opportunities to show the miracles that Christ can do in the lives of everyone... and pray... pray for those you love and those who get on your nerves.

#belikemary
#sheknew