Are you sure?

There is alegend that Mary was not the first young woman to whom the angel came. But she was the first to say yes.

And how unsurprising it would be for a fourteen year old girl to refuse the angel. To be disbelieving. Or to say:

"Are you sure you mean -

but I'm unworthy -

I couldn't anyhow -

I'd be afraid. No, no,

it's inconceivable, you can't be asking me -

I know it's a great honour

but wouldn't it upset them all,

both our families?

They're very proper, you see.

Do I have to answer now?

I don't want to say no -

it's what every girl hopes for

even if she won't admit it.

But I can't commit myself to anything

this important without turning it over

in my mind for a while

and I should ask my parents

and I should ask my -

Let me have a few days to think it over."

Sorrowfully, although he was not surprised to have it happen again, the angel returned to heaven.

(from 'And it was good: reflections on beginnings' by Madeleine L'Engle)