I’m A Consonant, And I’m Okay With That
We all want to feel special and appreciated. Can you imagine being called “less” or “the other?” How would that make you feel? Would you feel like you weren’t being valued or that people didn’t love you? Would you give up, stomp your feet, or rant and rave? Not being noticed or praised for your actions and abilities can be heartbreaking, but are we ALL supposed to be superstars?
Easter was a few weeks ago, and I did a lot of reading about the crucifixion of Jesus. Many people were mentioned either at the crucifixion or visited the tomb. Many of them were named Mary, which is not surprising since that was one of the most popular names at that time. When I read an account by Matthew, the details guy, I was intrigued when he talked about the Marys at the tomb.
Matthew 27:61
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Matthew 28:1
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
Not once, but twice, Matthew referred to “the other” Mary as being at the tomb. Since there were several Marys in the Bible, I was curious about this one and why she was called “the other.” Obviously, we all know the Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, but “the other” Mary wasn’t mentioned near as often.
I came to find out that “the other” Mary was the mother of James and Joseph/Joses. If that wasn’t enough, she was called “the other,” and her son, James, was referred to as “the less.” If any family had a right to have a complex, it would be this family.
James was one of the twelve disciples, so he wasn’t a nobody. Jesus knew him, and Jesus hand-picked James to follow Him. Like the name Mary, James was a popular name in those times. So, I guess the term “less” isn’t used to determine his worth but to distinguish between him and another James. Maybe it is because he was smaller in height or girth, maybe it is because he was younger, or perhaps it was because he was quiet in nature.
I saw that an author named Kuyper, who wrote many Biblical-based books, and in one (I can’t find the article), he called the other Mary a consonant and Mary Magdalene a vowel. His analogy was interesting to me because there are only 5 vowels in the English alphabet and 21 consonants.
Using this analogy, Peter and Paul would be considered vowels, and James the less would be a consonant. There are only so many vowels, but there are a lot of consonants. Is being a consonant a bad thing? I don’t think so, and here is my thinking.
For every STAR actor, you see a lot of supporting actors. Without the supporting characters, the story could not be told. Each person has a specific role, and not everyone is born to be the star. Some people wouldn’t be comfortable having the attention of the spotlight thrown at them.
The Other Mary was a great supporting character. She supported Jesus and His ministry monetarily. She had resources she could give, and her contributions helped Jesus and the disciples spread the Good News. This other Mary gave her sons to Jesus, allowing them to follow and serve the Lord.
This Other Mary was one of the women who followed Jesus to Jerusalem and was present at the crucifixion. She was at the tomb when the angel of the Lord appeared and told them that Jesus was not there. She was among the first to anoint the dead body of Jesus with spices. Even though this other Mary was not a solo artist, she was a glorious part of the chorus.
The Lord notices all of us consonants! He sees our efforts and He hears our voices, even if they are quieter than others. The OTHER Mary was mentioned in the Bible and held a special place in the Lord’s heart and ministry. There were thousands of Marys during that time, but only a few were honored by name.
I’m a consonant, and I’m okay with that. If your role is a consonant, don’t worry; the Lord loves you just as much!
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
I’ve never heard of *consonants vs. vowels* — love it! One Sunday I was thinking about some of the individuals with special needs in our church. They seldom get up on stage, and hardly ever stand behind the microphone. But God may have His eye on them in a very special way. “The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
I love this. I am a consonant and okay with that for sure. Thanks for sharing.
I love this. Gives us all something to think about for sure.
A good reminder of how important support roles are. Everyone is important!!
What an interesting concept! I for one so not want to stand out but instead hang back, observe and support from the sidelines. Thank you for this analogy and it makes sense to me. Thank you for being a witness for God and to others!
Thank you , I’ve always been a consonant but now I feel more loved.
I’m glad the post helped!
yes. I really needed this today. You’re right. Without the consonants the paragraphs wouldn’t be written. God sees all of us, and loves us all.
Thank you so much for the gift card!!! I’m completely thrilled with having my name drawn. I’m soooo excited.
This beautiful devotion, Tania. I’m a consanant, too! 😊🫶🏻🙌🏻
I’ve always been a constant. There were times it felt like no one noticed me so I love how you pointed out the Lord sees us all. What a comfort! I’m definitely ok with the supporting role nowadays. Thanks for this very encouraging message.
I’m fine with a supporting role too. The star has a lot of pressure on them.
As someone named Mary, I loved this post. What a wonderful way to state that we are all loved by our Lord no matter what our role in His Kingdom may be!
Thank you for a wonderful analogy. You’re a vowel in my little corner of the world! Be blessed.
Thanks, Laura! I appreciate that.
In my life I have had only 2 sermons get to me. One was around my First Communion where the priest said we should be running to receive the sacraments as excitedly as we run to McDonalds. The other was for my wedding where he talked of Beauty and the Beast. And now your wonderful and inspiring sermon of consonants and vowels. I told you that you should write sermons as a side gig. It’s THAT good.
Carol, I’m not sure if my thoughts should even be called a sermon. They are random thoughts and snippets of sermons I’ve heard others talk about.
I love your Bible story about the people in the Bible, and the fact they were all important, even if they weren’t the stars.
Thank you Tania!
It was so encouraging❤️
What a profound way to see ourselves! Thank you for sharing and always proclaiming the love of Christ in your post through his Word.
Great thoughts for today’s post. Yes, we are all truly important to God.
Thank you for sharing Enjoyed tremendously
Blessings
Millie Slayton
Tania, I love your inspirational and Biblical Sunday posts! I am a consonant also! Glory to God!
Thoroughly enjoyed this thoughtful story. We are all His Sheep, His people once we have received Christ as Savior.
I love this analogy and perspective. You have a beautiful way of presenting your Sunday devotion. May God richly bless you.
(By the way I am a consonant and love being behind the scenes to complete a story… we all count.. I am thankful and blessed)
What a beautiful devotion this is. Thanks Tania for your love of Christ and for sharing him faithfully with your audience.
I posted this morning but it’s not on the blog, I try to post everyday but it normally doesn’t show up. I was just wondering what I am doing wrong?
Rhonda, I was traveling today, so comments don’t get answered as quickly.
Love this! I need to share this with my students!
Tania, thank you for this wonderful insight. From one consonant to another, keep up the great work!
Barbara
Thank you for today’s message. I needed that today. ❤️
Hope you have a wonderful week!
Huh. I never gave much thought to the “other Mary”, but I guess that’s exactly the point. Just as Paul stated about the body of Christ, we can’t all be eyes or ears. Some of us may be little toes! We all have a purpose and function, and the body works best when all the members do their part. I’m okay with a less prominent role too – I’ll just pray that the part I’m given, I do wholeheartedly.
Hope you have a wonderful day today too!
I love this! It is so important to remember as we can all feel less than what we are when we hear about all the vowels are doing that we aren’t. Thank you for sharing. I will need to tuck this one away to read again and again.
Thank you, Tania, for this beautiful message. I am happy with being a consonant.
Beautiful reflection for all of us who sometimes feel “less than”! We’re all important in God’s eyes, alleluia!
Another analogy is the queen bee and the worker bee. We all have our place and duty. We’re All needed … we all serve God’s purpose. I believe that I’m one of God’s children.
Love this post!
Yes! I am a consonant!
Well, you did it again!!! Beautiful post, Tania!!! Thank you for this amazing perspective… Happy Sunday🙏❤🙏
What a unique way of looking at this. God has given you not only a gift to share earthly things but a tremendous gift to speak about heavenly things! I’m a consonant too and I’m grateful for what God has gifted me!
Think of all the people your reach with your Sunday posts, you are vowel!
lol! I’m still a consonant, but I love the thought of being a vowel. 😘
What a sweet analogy! We are to be light wherever we go~ either as a consonant or a vowel!
wow! this is really good! I never realized the depth of this story. I am a consonant. I constantly love Jesus! The letters Son is in the word consonant, God’s Son our Savior! amen! Maybe I feel like a little ant sometimes but if you study the work of the ant you will find how much work they do ! They are incredible for their size. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, there is a lot of study attached to this. “The first will be last and the last will be first ” I love your Sunday post!
That’s a good analogy. I always say I’ma worker bee, but an ant works too.
Good morning, Tania, This little sermonette was very interesting. I never looked at it this way and am happy to also be a “consonant”. I look forward to your Sunday blog and always enjoy it.
Thank you for all that you give us each and every day!
God bless you!
Love your inspirational posts.
Thank you for today’s message! I am one of those “others”. The one’s who are present yet seem to fade into the background. Your thoughts have helped me have a different perspective about my role in life. Your Sunday devotions are a blessing to me.💖
Thank you for this post, Tania. It has reframed my thinking. I love this perspective!
Fellow consonant,
Kathie
Yes, I’m a consonant too! Thank you, Tania as always for your inspiring Sunday posts! Have a beautiful Sunday 😀
Awesome article! Really touched my heart. I will probably share it with my Sunday School class bc it fits in with my lesson today. Thank you for sharing!💟
I’m glad the post was perfect for you.
This post was so thought provoking. Life is all about balances and, depending on the circumstances, I can be either a consonant or a vowel.
Good morning!
Thank you for a very thought provoking commentary this morning.
Blessings
Sweet message this morning.
What a beautiful post! I too am a consonant. Tania, I just recently subscribed to your blog and am really enjoying your fashion advice. Even more, I love that you are a woman of faith and share these messages with your followers. Beautiful person inside and out!
Best,
Donna
That was very interesting way to explain it, Tania. I’d never thought of it that way! Thanks & have a blessed Sunday!
Thank you so much for your post today. It couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s my birthday tomorrow and once again my mil has done her usual stunt of gifting my husband with an extravagant gift. We don’t share a birthday. His birthday is in September. It’s always been this way. Almost 26 years of being an other. Good times. I’m grateful for the love of Jesus and my supporting role in the lives of my husband, children and grandchildren. But as I said, your timing is perfect for my less than feeling today. (Oh, yes the birthday card was given today – rather than on my actual birthday-she’s my neighbor so it could’ve been given on my birthday) 🤦🏻♀️
MILs can be a special breed, but you need to remember she raised the man you love. Give her a big hug and thank her profusely because without her, your family wouldn’t exist.
This is beautiful. thanks!
Very interesting concept. You are wise.
Oh my goodness Tania! Your message surely spoke to me today; so very meaningful to me. I was one of 11 children. There were a few nouns and many consonants! I was raised going to a Christian school, but I needed to hear this today. I’ve only been getting your messages a couple months but I do look forward to reading them. You made my day. God Bless You!
Mary Beth, wow! I only have a brother and a sister, so I can’t imagine being 1 of 11. 😳
Words to think about!
I look forward to your Sunday posts! You should go on the IF women’s ministry circuit – they could use a voice from the on- line Influencer population.
Love this so much Tania! I became fascinated with the women in the Bible when I took a course called “Women in the Old Testament”.
Women I had never heard of like Tamar and Judith. Have you seen “The Chosen”? I am halfway through and am in awe of the acting, ,especially the actor portraying Jesus, and am mesmerized by the story. I love all your posts. You are so funny and down to earth
I love the Chosen! It is a fabulous series. 🥰
What a lovely analogy. Surely very thought provoking. Thank you Tanya.
Love this article. I’m a consonant too!
I love this post! What a unique and interesting way of describing people’s roles in life.
God is so good and merciful to all of us! “Consonants and vowels” is a sweet way of reminding us all that God uses all of us!
I love that he uses all of us in different ways.
I have never thought about the other Mary, as in who she was. Thank you for researching this.
Consonants, vowels, digraphs, diphthongs, etc.—all are equal in the eyes of the Lord.
What a fun insight! Thank you for sharing!