A Beauty Glorious

Dear Diary,

I started throwing up this morning. Oh, joy.

In other news, apparently I’m going on a little adventure tomorrow…

Dad finally talked to me last night. He came in while I was getting ready for bed. He asked me what happened, so I told him the same story I told Mom. He gave me a long look, and then asked me if I was sure that was the absolute truth. I said yes. He reminded me that I’d been in danger of stoning, and even short of that, my engagement would also be in danger.

I told him, “Believe me, I know all that. I remember what happened to Anna. And… Joseph already broke up with me.”

My dad is such a dad. He didn’t say “I told you so,” he just gave me a big hug. I let him hold me tight as I rested my face against his chest. I needed that.

After a while, he pulled back and said, “Mary, you know I love you and don’t want to see anything hurt you. But you need to understand, this is not just going to go away. When people find out… things are going to get ugly. Even if they don’t stone you, you’ll likely be completely shunned.”

I tried again to make him understand. “And I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. But Dad… This is the Messiah we’re talking about. This has to happen. It won’t be easy, but God’s going to protect me. I mean, I’m part of his plan now.”

He shook his head. “My baby girl, the mother of the salvation of Israel… I’m still not sure if I can believe it.”

“I hope you can,” I said quietly. “He’s your grandson.”

Dad grinned in his lopsided way and stared out at the wall. “My grandson. That’s quite a thought.”

After a moment, he looked back at me and said, “Anyway, I talked to your mom about it, and we want to make this as easy as possible for you. We think it’s time you paid a visit to your cousin Elizabeth. Her husband Zacharias is a priest at the temple in Jerusalem. They’ll be able to take care of you for a little while.”

I was startled. I hadn’t told anyone yet what the angel had said about her, that she was pregnant after years of not having kids.

“For how long?” I asked.

“Well… would you be okay with having your baby there?”

I blinked. Nine whole months?

“But, Dad… I want to have the baby here, in our own home. I want Mom to be with me.”

“We might be able to send her up when your time comes. But, sweetie, think about it… the town isn’t exactly going to be on your side here. Those nine months are going to be very difficult for you. Best to come back once you’re… looking more yourself.”

Meaning, once you no longer have the scarlet letter expanding your belly like a balloon.

So I’m leaving. Tomorrow. Dad gave my one day to pack while he makes the travel plans, and then tomorrow I hitch a ride with some friends up to Elizabeth’s house, near Jerusalem. Her husband is a priest in the temple there.

I’m not sure how I feel about this. I know my parents mean well, but I can’t help feeling like an exile. I didn’t even do anything wrong! Must I be punished for obeying God?

I’m excited to see Elizabeth, but I’ll be sad to leave my family, and of course Joseph… but maybe it doesn’t matter now. It’s not like I’ll be seeing much of him anyway.

Maybe it’s for the best. I could use a change of scenery.



Luke 1:35