Chosen

Historical Novel on the Mother of Jesus. It wasn't until I was middle aged (and when is that now, by the way) I began to see how little the bible tells us about Mary, the mother of Jesus, the most pivotal person in history. She was a real person, and I wanted to bring her to life in a story that is true to the Bible and that helps us think more about her and other individuals we meet there. What might their lives been like both and before and after having their courses laid out directly by God? They were people, like us with their weakness still there. Think of Jonah's obstinate and disobedience, but God was still able to use him. Think of how many times David committed major sins but always returned to God. God didn't pick perfect people- He chose real people we can relate to, who can reassure us that we, too, can be used by God if we are willing. Perhaps in our time it is difficult to understand the full implications of Mary's 'gifts' to God's request that she become a pregnant, unwed mother. (And please note that it was a request, not a demand or imposition of will.) Courage and faith to face ostracization, at best probable expulsion from the village, or stoning at worst. Even at 15, Mary knew these things. What was being asked of her must have shocked her profoundly, but her 'gift' was true to her faith and character. Even so, her flight to Elizabeth must have been a desire for validation. So, the story unfolded. I sincerely hope it becomes a jumping-off place for your imagination and deeper thought in to the people of the Bible and how their lives might have been.