Just Man, Enough - David El

JOSEPH IS CONFUSED… and for good reason: his life is very confusing. His fiancé is a virgin. But she’s pregnant. So she’s a pregnant virgin. And that’s the easy part. They are chased out of town but they were leaving anyway. Joseph dies in a river, but is rescued by friendly enemies. He and Mary are befriended by educated, uneducated, self-educated shepherds. They find refuge with the most unholy character in Bethlehem, but are rejected by the bigots who ought to know better. He is protected by his oppressor, exploited by those who presumably care about him most, and the regal people bearing gifts have really come to seize his most prized possession, the baby Jesus, to whom he has dedicated his life. Then there are those dreams, or nightmares, in which the most terrifying creatures command you not to be afraid.

You see, it’s not that he confuses easily. He’s just an ordinary Joe all mixed up and in love with a good woman at an awkward time in her life. The story is funny, but it’s not funny to him: it’s faith in hard action. Then Faith comes along, making things easier. Is this getting any clearer? Yep, he’s just an average Joe – or is he? Whose choice was this to raise the Messiah? And I am Joseph. Or maybe you will be. I hope so, but you’ll just have to unwind with this Just Man to see why I am all wound up.

Just Man, Enough is the vibrant, bouncy tale of Joseph; the young carpenter gallant, intrepid or just plain unlucky enough to fall in love – and stick – with Mary, a girl with problems of her own. The tale is now equal parts allegory, metaphor, celebration, praise and comedy as Joseph takes center stage and becomes the new, old model of husband, father, provider, protector, leader and follower: learning as he goes and doing his best to survive as he learns.

“I can’t help the fact that in places it reads like a Bible study at Hooters - but I can explain!” The Author