At times, I can become familiar with a story and in thinking I know it, completely miss what may lie just beneath the surface facts. There are truths in Scripture which are meant to be mined; we need to dig a bit to find the treasure hidden in the well known stories.
In her book, Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany is a woman of few words. It is an action, anointing Jesus’ feet with oil, which brings her the commendation from Jesus that her story would be told “in memory of her”.
As we look at Mary, we see a woman who has a unique faith, is quiet, and has an attitude to hear and learn of spiritual matters from Jesus Himself. She is the woman, who instead of tending to her chores at hand, paused in the midst of her busyness, to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear what He had to say.
The author brings wisdom and insight for women, covering such topics as:
- finding peace in the midst of turmoil. Mary teaches us peace is found in letting go of our to-do lists and spending time with the truths found in Scripture.
- hearing a word from the Lord.”When we learn spiritual truth, apply it and seek more of it, we receive more to understand and apply.” (page 39)
- making wise life choices. We can learn to make wise and correct choices even in the midst of all which pulls us in various directions.
- how to come to Him. Mary shows us it is not what Jesus can do for us but us learning Who He is.
- how to recognize a “good work”. The motive behind all we do is more important than the actual act we do.
- insight. Mary’s life shows us the things which will get in our way of understanding truth.
- the need for silence in our lives. We are living in a time of vast means of communication. Do we recognize the importance of silence?
- humility. Mary never defended herself when criticized. We can learn to do the same.
This was a short and easy read yet contains much wisdom which women can apply to their lives in a practical way. Dolores shows there is a role model to be found in Mary of Bethany.
*** I received this book via Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
I am joining with … Booknificent Thurs. .
This looks like a really good book to remind us of things we know are important but all too often forget. Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina