The "Other" Side of Papa/Father

Jesus revealed the Father, but he did not reveal the Father as a masculine “He-man.” Quite the opposite in fact. In one case God is described as a mother hen who gathers her chicks. Jesus was emphasizing what we learn from the very beginning of the Bible: “So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.” (NCV)

     Both men and women are created in the image of God.  This means femininity is as much a part of God’s nature as is masculinity. The Bible refers to God as one who is tender, compassionate and protective of the young – characteristics we often associate with motherhood.

     Together men and women make up what you might call a composite image of God. In marriage, you learn how the other half of the image of God thinks and learns and responds and acts. The French say, “Viva la différence”, reminding us to celebrate the uniqueness of men and women, because together we reflect the image of God.

     When we think of Papa/Father in terms of motherhood we see the following characteristics:

     The love of a mother is a child’s foundation and it is basic to the nurturing of life. This is also true of God’s love.

     A mother’s love is unconditional, as is God’s love.

     A mother’s love is sacrificial, and we see the same in God.

     A mother will lay down her life for her child. This love comes from God who did lay down his life for us.

     God, who created male and female in his image, is the highest, and most perfect expression of what is masculine and what is feminine. All things that make a woman beautiful, tender, compassionate, loving – in other words, feminine – comes from God the Papa/Father who created her in his image.

    May each of us give God praise for women and may we honor all women, whether or not they are mothers and grandmothers. Let’s honor them for being the image bearers of God that they are. Happy Mother’s Day to all.