On ways in which I emulate Mary

By Libbie
 
There’s much in Roman Catholic circles about emulating Mary. Many sincerely believe that Marian devotion is a real path to unity between Protestants and Catholics. ECT is going to bring out a whole paper on ecumenical approaches to Mary soon.
 
I’m not unfamiliar with Catholic devotion to Mary, having had a brush with Catholicism myself, and I understand the attractions it holds. But you know, I’m not a Catholic, and I don’t believe that she was ever-virgin, assumed into heaven, (In fact, for ages, I thought ‘The Assumption’ meant that it was a guess you had to believe in, which isn’t so far from the truth, really…) and nor do I believe she dispenses all graces. I think she’s probably consumed with wonder and love in the presence of her Lord, in all honesty.
 
But this idea of her being someone that Christians emulate has been something I’ve pondered for ages. Because, like any other biblical Christian, it’s perfectly true. And where she was godly, this is a really good thing. Being willing for God’s will to be done, however hard and terrifying, as Mary was at the annunciation, is something I admire greatly.
 
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