The Woman


Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima!!!
 
     I began this post with a determination to capture Mary's beauty, life, and purity. However, as soon as I started typing, I realized that I could not do her justice... (Then, my friend reminded me that no one on earth really can either so I felt better:) She cannot be labeled or defined by mere words from our dictionary. Phrases and words cannot or even come close to describing her very essence. Rather, she is so much more.
  
A word continues to reappear in my head and it is this: captivating.

Mary is captivating. She is a mystery.

... and aren't all mysteries an intrigue?

     Some people think of Mary as a gentle, humble, selfless, and perfect human. This is most definitely true; however, the thoughts may progress to something along the lines of "she didn't have fun." Personally, I cannot imagine a life with Mary that would not have at least some fun. She is an optimist and has a positive outlook on life. From the very moment she could reason, she allowed God's will to happen in all she did. I see her as carefree and filled with a radiant, contagious joy. 

(This may seem like I am about to contradict myself, but stay with me...)

     Mary was human. She could feel. Oh, what an experience it is to feel... She was not all "happy-go-lucky" 24/7. She had moments of great sadness, pain, and heartache. Mary experienced fear. She would see her son fall down while playing and her heart would leap within her chest. She feared he was hurt. Throughout Christ's Passion, she may have been afraid every time she saw His holy back whipped or see the wood of the cross tear at His shoulders.

But she never doubted. 

     She did not know every little detail of God's plan, but she trusted Him. Doubt or despair never entered her mind or soul. She believed. 

     Some people struggle to connect with Mary because of this. Since we are a race of people that are plagued with fatiguing fear and heavy despair, it can be hard for us to talk to Mary or pray for her intercession. If she has not experienced doubt, how can she understand? She has never felt doubt; she never will.

She understands because she knows the human heart.

     Listen. God gave us all the help we need, so why would He make it difficult for us to receive or ask for it? It's like this: a lifeguard tells you that the flotation device is nearby if you need it, but when you actually do grab it- it's deflated. So... he gave you the option for help, but decided that he did not really care and it won't do much anyway. 
 
This is not how God works. He gave us a woman, The Woman, who would understand us. God gave us all we need to talk with her, for her to be here for us. He gave us Mary to be our refuge... 


     Recently, I was talking to my sister about a conversation she had with a couple at a church we were visiting. She was telling me that one of them said that Mary "belonged in the corner." Now, I do not believe they were saying this with ill intent because of what they proceeded that statement by. This person continued with, "we will not worship Mary." To summarize, this couple believed that by giving attention to Mary or praying for her intercession was close to pointless when they could "go to the real thing." This not only hurt my heart on behalf or Our Lady, but created a deep sadness for what this couple was misunderstanding and missing out on. 
 
     Without Mary, where would we be? If she had not given her fiat, would we have our Lord? She is His mother. A mother is a fortress, protector, advisor... One who encourages, nurtures, heals, guides, listens, understands... We need Mary. Think of this:


That is a beautiful thought. St. Augustine knew his stuff :)


     Mary is our Mediatrix. She implores God to deal out mercy. She loves us with her entire being, her whole heart, her every breath. Yes; she is our Queen, but our Mother first.
     

     On Mother's Day, my family and I did little things to remind our Mom how much we love and appreciate her and all she does. Mary enjoys the same acts of kindness and service. Therefore, I invite you today to pray the rosary with me:) Click here for the prayers.















(p.s. I was supposed to blog on Saturday, but we had a storm. Also, as you know, yesterday was Mother's day so I was busy then too).



*OMADG*












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