Mary

William Wallace said, "All men die... not all men really live."

On Sunday My pastor talked about Mary. He emphasized the importance of Mary's decision, what it implied, how it changed the course of her life and history itself. Pastor Richard reiterated the conception story while fully illustrating the fact that Mary had a choice, and a huge choice at that. I think in this day where teen pregnancy and unwed mothers are so common we forget the psychological and social pressures Mary had to consider. She lived in a male-dominant society where women had little to no voice. She was betrothed, but any implication that she was not a virgin could absolutely destroy any chance at marriage for her. God gave Mary the chance to say no, but she said yes. She was worthy of God's blessing and chose to honor God with her life and reputation. Mary chose to fully live out the opportunity God presented her with. She had no idea the heartache and turmoil it would bring her, nor the blessing and life.

There is so much we can learn from this brave, young, unwed teen mother. But what I see now is fully living. It's getting out of bed each day with the knowledge that God is going to use you. It is every day offering yourself and your life anew to God and what God is doing in the lives of those around you. It is being a vessel, no matter how broken you are.

Even a shard of pottery can hold water.