THE BLESSING OF NEW BEGINNINGS | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: THE BLESSING OF NEW BEGINNINGS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Evelyn Alexander
06/12/25
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The journey had been long and hard. Lost in her own thoughts much of the time, Mary had also lost track of the days as they blended together. Through the fog of exhaustion, she vaguely remembered hearing someone mutter, “Six long weeks,” as she was getting her first look at Ephesus.

John had friends of The Way here, who were graciously hosting them so they could arrive fresh from the trip to Mary’s new home, a settlement of displaced Believers like herself and John.

Finding refuge here from the deadly persecutions of Saul, an especially zealous persecutor of those they had spitefully called them, “Christians”, believers had built a thriving community in the beautiful hills of Ephesus. Often forced to leave family and friends behind, they became a close-knit family of brothers and sisters who shared a common bond of faith in Jesus, Mary’s son, who had proven himself to truly be their long-awaited Messiah.

The morning brought Mary a refreshing feeling of hope, as she enjoyed the relaxing hospitality of John’s friends. The short respite had been just what she needed.

Her heart had been heavy for a long time, as she continued to struggle with the aching memory of how they had tortured her son. Killing him in such a cruel way. The images continued to haunt her.

Shaking off the darkness that had been creeping up on her, she turned her full attention to what John was saying, and asked him to repeat it.

Giving a chuckle, John told her, “I thought that might get your attention. I was just saying how I’m eager to get going for I have a surprise for you when we get there. I know you’re going to love it, so I can hardly wait to see the look on your face, when you see it.”

Mary then gave an impish smile and exclaimed, “Then what are we waiting for!” as she rose to her feet and headed to the door. Their friends then joined them in laughter at her unexpected playful teasing.

As soon as their little caravan of helpers and goods was ready, John helped Mary into the comfortable spot he had made just for her, and declared, “We’re ready to go.” Waving their goodbyes, Mary could still feel the caring warmth of these new friends.

Feeling refreshed, Mary was enjoying this final leg of their journey. The fresh air … the breezes … the view with its lush greens. All so different than that around Jerusalem or Nazareth.

Finally, John told her they were almost there. She was looking forward to it, when suddenly she had another flashback. But this one was different. It didn’t center around the horrors of the crucifixion, but it was when Simon, the aged prophet reached out to hold Jesus, when still a tiny baby – a little bundle of life in her arms.

Mary somehow knew this returning memory held the key to the dark burden of memories she seemed to always carry with her.

She could still hear his voice. He had turned to look directly at her, and while still holding Jesus, declared …

“This child will cause many in Israel to fall, while causing many others to rise. He’s been sent as a sign from God, but many will fight him. As a result, for many hearts, their deepest thoughts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your soul.”

His final words seemed to reflect well what Mary was now suffering, so she began pondering it in her heart – which led her to think about her cousin, Elizabeth. It seemed she always seemed to understand when Mary became troubled, and knew how to encourage her.

The sudden stop of the caravan, and John’s victorious cry of, “We’re here!” jerked her back to the present.

Looking around, her eyes took in the rolling hillside that was dotted with activity and comfortable homes.

Then John cleared his throat to get her attention. “Are you ready for your surprise?” He softly asked.

Giving a nod, she saw him signal someone in the shadows of the home where they stopped. The figure stepped out of the shadows, and Mary gasped in disbelief.

No longer able to restrain her emotions, she ran to her special surprise. Throwing her arms around her friend, she managed to whisper, “Oh, Elizabeth! You are the best surprise I’ve ever had!”

Then Elizabeth caringly replied, “Welcome home, my special friend."

________
The verse used is my own paraphrase of Luke 2:34-35

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