Pastor's wife: Mary's choice

By DAWN REED

Thursday, December 26, 2024

My Bible person obsession changes every December. Sometimes it has been Zechariah and/or Elizabeth, sometimes Joseph, or the shepherds. This season it has been Mary. Pardon me while I squeeze in one more story before I close this chapter. 

This year, it has weighed heavy that Mary’s mom and dad are not mentioned. At. All. As a teenaged girl, it would have been a tough blow. That likely means they didn’t believe her story about the angel (Luke 1:26-38). And while she might be pregnant, it was unbelievable it was with the Son of God. After all, they hadn’t seen Gabriel and were nowhere near Bethlehem - where the prophecy told the Savior would be born (Micah 5:2).

When teaching, I often say, “It sure would have been handy for Mary if Gabe had stuck around when she told her parents.” I have meant it. Imagine her trying to describe what had happened.

Last Sunday, as we studied the Christmas story at the jail, it occurred to me that if Mary’s mom and dad had been there, they probably would have been against the whole plan. No parent would want their dear child exposed to criticism, hardship, or the possibility of being stoned to death for a pregnancy before official wedlock. I can hear Heli now, “Oh, we appreciate our little Mary being nominated, but it would be better for all of us if you picked someone else.”

For the first time ever, I realized why it was probably best for Mary that her family was not in attendance at Gabriel’s visit.

Then, Imogene – one of our seasoned volunteers – spoke from the corner, “It wasn’t Mary’s mom and dad’s decision to submit to the Lord. It was hers.”

STOP. Read that again: It wasn’t Mary’s mom and dad’s decision to submit to the Lord. It was hers.

No one spoke. Imogene was right! No one can ever make that decision for us. No matter who our daddy is or if our grandpa was a deacon or preacher, each one of us must stand on our own spiritual feet deciding whether to follow the Lord or not.

It wasn’t Mary’s mom’s or dad’s decision at all; it was hers and hers alone. She made her choice. Then followed through. How courageous! How inspiring!

I’m reminded that young David’s father was not around the day he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17).  Yet, David chose to step up when no one else would. He ran TO his enemy knowing God had his back.

As we face obstacles and giants in 2025, no matter our age, I pray we have the courage of teenaged Mary and her young forefather David. Even when we can’t see the outcome. As Joshua challenged all of Israel in Joshua 24:15, “Choose you this day whom you will serve…”

___

Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife, newspaper columnist, and the author of Weiner Stew: Inspiring Stories from Appalachia. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com. 

--- PULLQUOTES ---

Quote: No matter who our daddy is or if our grandpa was a deacon or preacher, each one of us must stand on our own spiritual feet deciding whether to follow the Lord or not.

--- PHOTOS ---

File: 20230713-121531-Dawn Reed thumbnail.jpg

Caption: Dawn Reed