Photo by John Holland

We went because it was the right thing to do and because it was family. Our clan was to gather at Mom and Dad’s to celebrate Mom’s progress in mobility after a fall. Four generations were represented, from the great grandparents (Mom and Dad) to the great grandchildren (twin boys.) Youngest daughter organized the picnic with pretty baskets. Middle daughter brought baked beans and a new boyfriend. Oldest daughter gave Mom a new pair of girlie shoes with soft rubber soles and cross strap for safe, stylish walking. Granddaughters, grandson and spouses added to the cheery conversation. Two new sons-in-law made a hit with Dad, swapping war stories and corny jokes. Nephew brought Mom her sister’s album of photos from the glamorous WW II era. Wool bathing suits! Smart Katherine Hepburn slacks! Newspaper write-ups of mere tea parties! He turned each page tenderly while she smiled, sighed and reminisced. Later I heard she even danced a few steps. It was all for and about Mom, but the mothering went from each one to everyone else and back.

Many years ago I was suddenly in terrible pain. It was frightening, so I called a Christian Science practitioner to pray for me. A father of four, he was accustomed to late night calls, and immediately reassured me of the presence of Love, the powerful Mother-Father God. His tender tone and loving, confidant care mothered me. I felt tucked in, was healed almost immediately and slept well. The pain never returned.

Christian Scientists are still opposed in some religious circles because they call God Mother, not only Father. Although many denominations today use the feminine name for Deity, resistance comes from more traditional, patriarchal religions which find the feminine to be secondary, even subservient. Even so most Christian denominations teach that God is Love. On that we can all agree.

Building on this concept of God as Love, we see God’s love for us, and indeed God’s creation of us as loving offspring. We can look for, and see the evidence of Mother Love caring for us and causing us to care for one another.

One of the most radical thinkers about God was Mary Baker Eddy, who reportedly was the first to name God Mother. She writes, “Father-Mother is the name for Deity, which indicates His tender relationship to His spiritual creation.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 332.)

As this Mother’s Day nears, we can practice the Love of God, the Mother-Love, more faithfully. The world aches for a mother’s touch, from Japan to Haiti to the streets of North Carolina. Our own hearts yearn for Her. How wonderful that She hears, responds, embraces. Just as you’ve always done, our little Mama; you learned it all from Her.