Joseph, the Angel, and Trust

Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what the angel commanded of him: he married Mary.
--Matthew 1:24

Then Joseph woke up.

I can't marry her, he thought.
What would my parents think?
Her parents? The neighbors?
What about me--I've worked hard all my life.
All I wanted was a chance at a life
with a little more solace, a little
more ease--

Then Joseph woke up.

I don't know what to do, he thought.
If I reject her, she could be stoned, he thought.

Then Joseph woke up.

Maybe there's an easier way--yes--she could go
to her cousin Elizabeth's, she could
have the baby and leave it with her, she always
wanted a child--

Then Joseph woke up.

My mother used to tell me
not to eat before bed
or else, nightmares--

that's it, all this is,
she's probably not even pregnant--

Then Joseph woke up.

I love her. I've loved her for such a long time.

Then Joseph woke up,
and married her.

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