Meet Betty
The child of God lay in her bed, praying. It was early morning, the sun not yet broken over the horizon. The children weren’t stirring yet, except for the one at her breast and the one laying next to her, waiting her turn. Soon the others would be up, usually in reverse order of birth. Joseph, at fifteen, would be the last of the nine. God had granted her husband’s wish for their first child to be a son, proof of his virility and strength and devotion to God. That son was now almost a man, himself. Dark fuzz lined his upper lip, his voice had become deep and full, his eyebrows bushy and dark, his mood surly. Joseph had been conceived by Betty (the child of God) on her wedding night. She knew this with certainty, for she had prayed for it in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. When Betty and John had married, she was fourteen, he twenty-eight. John had seen her at church and had approached Pastor Frank about the possibility of a marriage arrangement. Pastor Frank approved of the match, instructed her parents, and within the month she and John were married. Betty was proud that she had accomplished a husband so soon. She knew that to win God’s approval it was her duty to be a good wife, to bear children, and to spread the word of the Gospel. God continued to bless them. Their marriage was fruitful, indeed. Whenever Betty felt doubt creeping in, or exhaustion, worry about having enough food or clothing, or fear of another difficult labor, like the one that had claimed baby Amy, she turned to scripture. When John would be in a rage she turned to scripture; and when the memory of what had happened crept in, she turned to scripture. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing-if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. 1 Timothy 2:11-15
She could still save herself, God willing, if she continued to bear fruit.