Mary, Did You Really Know?

By DJ Hejtmanek

Mary, Did You Really Know?

Dear Mary,

Your exalted story plays like a lovely loop in the background of my life, complete with music, lights, and a little chaos. I feel I know you better with each pass. But one Christmas Day boosted that link. We both gave birth on the same day. Well, yours was probably a different day, they say, but I had my first child on the day we celebrate Christmas Day. Okay, maybe we aren’t that similar, but we both had a baby boy.

Nevertheless, I’m struck by your bravery facing this life-changing occasion.

Did you really understand the crazy sequence of events surrounding the birth of your first child? You talked to an angel! Gabriel, no less. Did that help?

“The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” Luke 1:28 -29 NIV

Gabriel said you were highly favored by God and this troubled you. Are you like me and feel uncomfortable when people say nice things about you because you are unsure of your own worth? Maybe you were simply troubled because this angel appearing thing didn’t happen every day. You didn’t seem to question his heavenly credentials. Was he glowing, extra tall, or somehow other worldly?

I’ve never seen an angel, but I’d like to, I think. Not sure if I could be as brave as you were in that moment.

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus…” Luke 1:31 NIV

Mary, you obviously knew the facts of life because you asked the sixty-million-dollar question: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:34-35 NIV

That must have been a shocker.

Then you said the bravest words I’ve ever heard: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NIV

Mary, what a powerful example you are for women everywhere of what bravery looks like. Brave enough to say yes to God. Brave enough to ask the hard questions. Brave enough to believe what God said would come to pass.

"Mary, what a powerful example you are for women everywhere of what bravery looks like. Brave enough to say yes to God. Brave enough to ask the hard questions. Brave enough to believe what God said would come to pass."

Fear kept me bound for many years. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of rejection. Fear of many things. That might surprise some people because my façade looked courageous, but I knew better.

“Brave” has been my word this year, Mary. I chose it during a work conference early in 2019 hosted by my employer, The Salvation Army. Their values were displayed on banners: passionate, compassionate, uplifting, brave, and trustworthy. BRAVE leapt off that banner and straight into my heart. Soon after, I ran across a small gold necklace with “brave” engraved on it and purchased it. I’ve worn it almost every day since.

And I have been brave – writing again, journaling, learning Instagram, figuring out technology to launch a website, and starting a blog. Be glad you didn’t have to navigate social media, Mary. You had enough going on, with the unplanned pregnancy and all.

I’m setting out my nativity scene because Christmas is almost here. My figurine for you is white porcelain, without color or definition, an abstract representation. It’s easy to forget you were just like me, flesh and blood, tears and laughter, fears and insecurities. Exalted among women, but still a woman.

"My figurine for you is white porcelain, without color or definition, an abstract representation. It’s easy to forget you were just like me, flesh and blood, tears and laughter, fears and insecurities. Exalted among women, but still a woman."

Mary, I don’t pray to you or anything, but I’m a fundraiser by profession, so I totally get this networking concept. Can I tell you my funny story? Like I said, my son, Andrew, was born on your Son’s special day. Not everyone wants to hear the details, but my water broke at 5 a.m. and I called to my husband from the bathroom:

“It’s time!”

His response?

“It’s too early for Christmas presents. Come back to bed.”

“This Christmas present isn’t going to wait,” I told him.

That frosty 5-degree morning in Central Texas, we slip-slided to the hospital. Andrew waited just long enough for our regular doctor to leave for Christmas dinner. I never can remember that stand-by doctor’s name. Andrew was born when much of the world was sitting down to their turkey and dressing.

Another thing we have in common: natural child birth. I don’t know about you, Mary, but no part of that was fun. At least I wasn’t in a stable! But there was a woman screaming bloody murder down the hallway and a faulty monitor with wires attached to my abdomen. My husband made the sad choice of telling a laboring woman she was not having a contraction when she knew full well, she was. He never made that mistake again.

Every year, millions of nativity scenes around the world memorialize your maternal role in this first Christmas pageant. We remember your serene smile, your sweet swaddled son, the ox and lamb keeping time, shepherds kneeling, and wise men bearing gifts.

But we women know the truth behind the creche: Childbirth requires a brave heart. Not simply brave for the birthing process, but for the rest of it.

"But we women know the truth behind the creche: Childbirth requires a brave heart. Not simply brave for the birthing process, but for the rest of it."

All. The. Things.

Talk about on-the-job training. The thought of raising the Son of God must have been terrifying. But you did a good job, Mary. Your Son turned out well, finished strong. Even rose from the dead and gave us all a way to the Father.

Mine turned out good too, but that’s because yours set the curve.

Thank you, Mary.

Your brave friend,

Debra

(I go by DJ. It stands for Debra Jo, but I don’t tell many people that. So Petticoat Junction and southern front porch, you know. You may not get the reference...after your time. Anyway, I think you’d prefer Debra.)

Brave Woman Manifesto

Make sure to check back next week as another courageous Sister shares her story!

And by the way...

You are Brave! No matter what you are facing, God has made you in His image, which means you are full of His strength and grit. I would love to connect with you more and give you a FREE gift - the BRAVE WOMAN MANIFESTO: Five Things to Tell Yourself When Life Gets Hard. Click HERE to sign up for my monthly newsletter and you’ll receive the FREE Manifesto, as well as recent blog posts, updated resources and personal details delivered only to my lovely email tribe.

AS A BONUS… Subscribers will also be the first to receive news regarding the BRAVE WOMEN BIBLE STUDY coming out next year and a sample chapter! *insert happy dance here* Sign up for more info on the study’s release and availability!

About DJ

DJ Hejtmanek’s passion is to equip Christ followers to enjoy an intimate relationship with God, walk in freedom, and enjoy abundant blessings. DJ has worn many hats – magazine editor, wife, radio broadcaster, Mom, public relations spokesperson, children’s book author, fundraising professional, JoJo’s dog trainer, “Dovie” to five little girls, Bible teacher, and licensed minister. You can follow DJ on her website www.KnowingYourGod.com, Facebook, and Instagram. DJ and her husband Louis have been married 37 years, live in Broken Arrow, OK, and have two married children with five beautiful granddaughters living nearby.

#God #Brave #Women #Mary #Jesus #believe #servant #birth #birthday #Christmas #motherhood #fear #trust #understanding