Assumptions: A Devotion

Read – Matthew 1:18-25

When I think of the birth of Jesus, particularly the scriptures that speak of the virgin birth, I am immediately reminded of the phrase, “Everyone has a story.” And I wonder how many times I discount people’s stories. How many times do I see a homeless man and automatically wonder what kind of drugs got him to that point? How many times is someone rude to me and I just consider them mean? How many times do I see a young, pregnant girl and think unflattering thoughts about her character?

Mary had quite a story. I wonder if anyone ever stopped to ask. Maybe it was so sacred and so unbelievable that she didn’t even feel she could share her story. What did people think of her? What did they say behind her back? How did their assumptions change the way they treated her? How many people saw past the surface to the amazing miracle Mary was chosen to be a part of?

What would happen if we stopped the assumptions and considered the stories? What if we took the time to ask questions instead of sharing our answers? What if the next time we find ourselves quick to judge, we stop and listen, really listen? I think we might be surprised. I think we might find hardship and sadness and brokenness that led to hard circumstances. I think we might find what was on the surface did not tell the entire story. I think we might even find that what we thought we saw wasn’t even part of the equation.

This holiday season, let’s remember Mary. Let’s remember there is always more to what we see and let’s be women who are willing to listen to the true story that lies beyond the surface.