This is a post by my friend Wisdom Chitedze…a challenge for the men. Read on
Many of us have heard a lot about Mary the mother of Jesus. We have heard a lot about how humble she was and how great her faith was, so much so that in the Catholic and Anglican dogma she is highly venerated as the Mother of God.
The other references we hear about her are related to an alcoholic concoction called a Bloody Mary. I don't know what it comprises of, only that it probably must pack a flipping hangover in the end. I do digress
I have only heard a message/discussion on Joseph once. I believe he is one of the most underrated (to Borrow Brian Nkata's phrase) men alive.
Imagine this
1. You are a good man, a carpenter who never begs but works with your own hands and are a devout follower of the Torah or Jewish law
2. You are betrothed to a beautiful young woman (historians estimate that she could have been anything between 15 and 21, according to the traditions of the times)
3. Before you are finally formally married she is found with child and you know for real that you didn't get some, what do you do?
4. According to the Law he could have had her dragged to the public courtyard and lay an accusation against her and she could have been stoned and he d have been backed by the Law. Then people are amazed that Jesus had mercy on that woman caught in adultery who was about to be stoned. He may have leant such a merciful heart from Joseph.
5. Instead he chose to quietly put her away. If that is not mercy I don't know what mercy looks like
6. An angel tells him what is going on and he also humbly accepts the child and does all he can to guard the mother and child
7. He loved Jesus as his own fleshly son and gave him his heritage as someone born from the line of David.
8. He loved Mary all his life and had more children with her.
9. He was content to be in the background as we don't hear much about him later on, we only hear Mary saying things like "We were worried about you" when he stayed behind in the temple
For me Joseph is a man to laud and emulate. A man of great humility, faith. mercy and love. I believe just as Jesus would say "I do as I have seen my Father do" he meant not only the Heavenly Father but Joseph as well.
There are many unlauded heroes in our lives. Parents, siblings, friends, primary and secondary school teachers, neighbours, lovers (including exes), enemies too, pastors, community leaders, artists (who inspire with their music and artistry), authors, spouses, workmates, doctors and nurses, nannies, servants etc who seemingly do the ordinary which upon closer inspection aint so ordinary.
Some people come to stay in our lives for a while, others just pass through but whatever the case maybe, we must learn to be grateful for the smile, the love, the rebuke, the laughter, the care, the leadership, the sharing, the inspiration, the presence that made or makes a difference.
Sometimes its just as hard to say 'thank you' as it is to say 'I love you' or 'I am sorry'.
So if u kno u r a Joseph in my life. Even if you hurt me, or hate me. It works out for my good and I want to thank you.
Thank you to everyone who has ever prayed for me, encouraged me in my music ministry, bought a CD/tape, attended a show, invited me into their home, made me their friend, allowed themselves to be my friend, rebuked me (even when I didn't like it, I can assure u that I listen though I may not act at the same time).
Thank you Joseph(ina)
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