Mary the Favored

"You are favored by the Lord. The Lord is with you!"

The ground was soaked in blood. The dirt squished underneath her feet as she walked, sinking with the threat of keeping her there. Stranded and helpless. She was supposed to be favored. Her son was the King of his people, a kingdom everlasting and yet...

When she first held him in her arms with his skin warm and soft, Mary was favored.

As he grew up, Mary was a proud mother. He was wonderful and he was kind. He was devoted, and he was obedient. Mary was favored.

When the time came for him to continue his father's work, Mary was proud, if not a little worried, what mother would not be? Her faith, however, did not waver, and Mary was favored.

As Mary looked upon her son as he was nailed to that cross, Mary knew again that she was favored, but it was not without consequence; it was not without payment.

Her Lord does not favor freely.