We don’t always know the whole story. In fact, that’s usually the case.

Can you imagine the whispers? The stares? The judgmental eyes that followed young Mary around?

Can you imagine the pressure Mary felt? Can you imagine the guilt and shame that enveloped her day in and day out even though she knew the truth?

If people knew the whole story maybe they would have offered her a place to rest her weary bones. Maybe they would have prepared her a meal. Or two. Or three.

If people would have known the whole story maybe they would have been a friend. An ear to listen to. Someone to tell her that it was in fact gonna be ok.

But maybe someone should have done that anyway- without knowing the story behind the girl.

Just because.

Because she was a human being facing an insurmountable obstacle.

Maybe instead of judging we could just be there.

We could pray.

We could listen

We could offer hope.

We could love.

“33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2:33-35