What were Mary's options carrying a baby not her husbands?
What kind of character did Joseph exhibt by deciding to divorce Mary quietly and leniently?
Mary's options were not many. She probably would not have a husband if Joseph divorced her and she could have ended up being stoned for what would have been assumed as her actions. Life probably would have led her to prostitution or some menial work for her family except for one thing, she trusted in the Lord and believed He would provide for her.
Joseph exhibited a strong character. He could have drug Mary's name thru the mud and ruined her life. The fact that he decided to divorce her discreetly and leniently shows that Joseph had a good heart to begin with. He lived in a time with which we are not familiar with. Obviously, Joseph was a man of God, for when receiving instructions from the angle, Joseph did not hesitate to carry out God's desires.