Around Christmas time I had a post talking about how much Faith it took for Mary to not question the role that God had for her to play. I reflected on how hard it must have been to just say "If it be your will". Again, I find myself thinking of Mary today, this Good Friday. I am sure that Mary knew that her submission to God's plan would cost her. At the least, people would talk. An unwed mother during those times?! Did she worry that Joseph, the man she loved would leave her or worse have her put to death by stoning..did any of that matter to Mary. Well the bible gives us that answer. NO..she stood strong on her faith and believed what the angel of the Lord had told her. I find myself wondering..when did she realize that the son that she put everything on the line for, the son she loved with all her heart, her son and savior would die a criminals death on the cross. Still through it all she willingly submitted to God's plan. Can I willingly submit and rejoice in God's plan for me, for Xavier.
Oh, the depth of the love and strength that Mary had. She and the other women followed the Lord to the cross. All the men, the disciples of the Lord, fled...however the woman who loved him remained with him till the end. I have stood by and watched my son suffer and it was the hardest thing that I had to do, however..I knew the outcome would be life. I knew that the pain he felt was temporary and that he would soon be back in my arms. Mary knew that her son would die on that cross. That he would die for her. To save her from eternal damnation. That he would die for me, for Xavier, for YOU!! He died for those that had denied him, those that had betrayed him..he prayed and died for those that had lead him to that cross..."Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34.
So it is through Mary that I find renewed strength. A simple girl, chosen to help save the world. Finding strength in the Lord's plan. Being a mother to the Lord until the end. The bible tells us that Mary was the first to kiss Jesus' brow, she quenched his thirst and touched him tenderly. She was a mother who never abandoned her child. Very much like me and my fellow heart moms. His suffering was her suffering, his pain, her pain. His death broke her heart. Oh the depth of a mother's love. Oh the depth of God's love for us. The bible tells us that while the others stood at a distance, Mary stood at the foot of the cross..the closest to Jesus in life, was the closest in death. She did not cry out causing the Lord more pain..she cried silent tears. In the sound of the mockery of the Lord, MARY STOOD.
So when things get hard, when I can't take the pain of worry and wondering about my son's heart and his future, I will look to Mary for inspiration...I will pray, ask God for mercy and STAND TALL for my son!!
Please continue to pray for Xavier and his heart buddies: Kellen, Zoe, Julianna, Payton, Evan, John, Baileigh, Jaxx, Cam, Stosh, Olivia, Jacob, Jilly, Lane, Jensen, Hayden, Ella, Zoey, ...and so many others. Those with us, those who have passed and those who have not been born yet. Heart kiddos are very special. They were blessed with an unbreakable spirit.
Happy Easter everyone!! God Bless!!
