More like Mary

Happy Monday! The Christmas spirit is strong in this gal's world! Jingle jams are playing, the halls are decked and my mind, soul and heart are deep in His word, the story of our Savior's arrival. 

Now that I'm a mother, I have a new perspective on Mary, the mother of Jesus. I find my self trying to imagine what it was like for her and well, I just can't. It just seems so overwhelming and hardly comparable. While it's impossible to put ourselves in unknown situations we can prepare ourselves so that we are ready when life hands us challenges. 

I want to learn from Mary as she exemplifies unwavering humility, willingness, boldness, and trust!

Here are ways we can be more like Mary ...

1. Be Humble

When God asked Mary, through the angel, to be the mother of Jesus she didn't get a puffed up sense of herself. She also didn't argue saying she wasn't good enough. She simply said " Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" Luke 1:38

Have you ever had someone ask something big/important of you? I feel flattered and so special.  That can easily turn to thinking too much of myself. 

Finding ways to be more humble may look like doing a chore that no one will notice without mentioning it. It could be holding your tongue when you want to defend or even just smiling and saying 'Thank You' when someone pays you a compliment. 

2. Be Willing

Mary said yes to God. It was a charge filled with questions but she accepted and God did amazing things for and through her. 

She could have said no that's too big for me, you'll have to find someone else. 

As a type A person, I easily pass and resist things because they don't fit into my plan BUT this life I've been given isn't to be lived according to my plan but for HIS! Rather than attempting to get out of something or ignoring it we can ask God to help us have courage to face what God's placed on our hearts.

 

3. Be Trusting 

Mary knew God's Word. She knew of angels and the promise of the coming Messiah. 

When we are in the scriptures daily we gain confidence, peace and faith in His promises and provision. 

His love never gives up or turns away. When we pray we can know that He will never let us down.  The outcome may not be what we want but we know we can boldly go to him with ALL things.  There no room for questioning whether He's got it or not. 

4. Share Your Joy

Mary didn't keep the news of carrying the son of God to herself. She went and told her cousin Elizabeth, who was also carrying a baby boy.  They were both miracle pregnancies and they embraced each other in celebration. 

Sometimes it can be hard to share in another's joy when we are hurting or to share our good happenings for fear it will be perceived as bragging. Being a part of a family and friendship isn't just about sharing some fun times but truly reveling in the joys of others. 

5. Embrace the Hard

Mary, pregnant outside of marriage, faced criticism and disownment from Joseph. And gracious, we could never imagine the horror that Mary faced when Jesus was crucified. She was with him.  Her love never turned away or gave up. We ourselves and those around us will have struggles. In the face of a crisis we can be there for others with a listening ear, lending a helping hand or just by their side in their hurt. 

Let's be inspired by Mary in saying yes to God's will for us!

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Inspired Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise