Luke 1:39-45
When Mary heard the news that she was expecting the child of the Holy Spirit she set out to visit her relative Elizabeth. The angel had told her that her Elizabeth was also expecting under very unusual circumstances. It was a long walk from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, about 60 miles. It had to have been important to Mary to spend some time with someone who could understand what she was experiencing. When we are facing difficult challenges in life, it is comforting to be in the company of a friend who has been or is going through something similar. That is the reason that the 12 step support groups have been successful for over 75 years. It is is always important to pray and talk to our heavenly Father when we need a friend that understands. He wants us to bring him our cares because he cares for us. However, there are times when we just need "Jesus with skin on". Find that someone you can trust when you need it and be that someone for those in distress. That is what it means to "be" the church.