Oh, How We Need Each Other

Mary- a young maiden, engaged, never known a man.

Elisabeth- “well stricken in years,” (Luke 1:18), married, barren. 

Different circumstances, ages, life experiences.

Until an angel’s visit changes everything.

The impossible is made possible as they both find themselves with child.

Not just any children- but spirits prophesied to change the world! Spirits meant to come down only a few months apart. Spirits eternally connected in purpose, one preparing the way for the other.

My heart is tender as I think of Mary & Elisabeth! I love that the angel tells Mary her cousin is also pregnant! I love that she went “with haste” (39) to visit Elisabeth! How comforted she must have felt knowing she wasn’t alone in this miraculous conception & divine calling!

We don’t know how well they knew each other, how long it’d been since they’d seen each other, but we do know that upon Mary’s greeting, Elisabeth IMMEDIATELY recognizes who Mary’s carrying!

“The babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she spake out... Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”(41-45)

Through the Spirit manifesting to John the Baptist in her womb AND to her, she KNEW Mary was the mother of God.

The faith of these women! Suddenly having unique, holy, & overwhelming responsibilities ahead, they accepted their divine roles despite being outside social norms. How beautiful that they could validate & support each other! What bond must have forged between them as Elisabeth bore her witness of the Son of God before He was even born!

Women need women! We are different, yet the same! We ALL can relate to each other in our insecurities, fears & desires, & have such power to lift each other up. I’m grateful for the women God has brought to my life!

“Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young. And, hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old... We need deep & satisfying & loyal friendships with each other.” Marjorie Hinckley