Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings . . .” 

Matthew 23:37

Every once in a while, the Bible alludes to female imagery of God. This verse from Matthew in the New Testament seems to be an example of this.   

Years ago, a friend told me that in his youth, he could never grasp or relate to God as ‘Father’. He understood Jesus as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit, but struggled with the Father image. Unfortunately, his own father had been absent at best, and was not a good role model for him. His pastor knew the family well and asked, “Have you ever thought of your grandmother as the person to exemplify God, the Father?” His Grandma was strong, compassionate, consistent, faithful, good, and caring and had shepherded him through his life. So, his pastor’s comment was an “aha moment” for him and helped him put a whole new light on how he thought of God, the Father.  

This story opened my eyes to three things:

Words mean different things to different people depending on their experiences in life. It is important to find as many descriptive words and stories that will help people ‘see’ God in a way that they can relate to and find meaningful.   

I need to be open to new ways of using words to describe God. The older I get, the more ‘stuck in my ways’ I get, and of course, I want to keep things the same. I want things ‘said’ or done as they have been done in the past. Yet though God does not change, sometimes I need to change!

Once in a while, when I substitute ‘Mother’, God comes ‘alive’ for me in a whole new way. This broadens my understanding and picture of God and helps me know God in a   different light.

So, what has been your experience with your father and your mother? And what are your understandings of God as Father and Mother? Which attributes of each can help you see and understand God more fully? However you see or understand God, may you know God’s great presence and power in your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our hearts and our minds to understand You in Your fullness. Heavenly Mother, continue to nurture our souls to reflect Your great love to us and to others. Amen.