What Makes A Mother?
May 10, 2023 Creekwood United Methodist Church

Perceived Value - Deep Thoughts

Posted in Deep Thoughts

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Tree

What Makes A Mother?

Is it this?

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

-Matthew 23:37 (NRSV)

goose with littles

Or this?

“Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”

-Hosea 11:3-4 (NRSV)

“Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”

-Hosea 11:3-4 (NRSV)

This one?

“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

-Isaiah 66:13 (NRSV)

Mother and small child

Or is it this?

“I will fall upon them like a bear robbed of her cubs, and will tear open the covering of their heart….”

-Hosea 13:8 (NRSV)

Bear with cub

Brown mother bear protecting her cubs in a Finnish forest

Don’t mess with that last one!

One aspect of scripture that people often forget (or get upset about) is that God is depicted in a great variety of metaphors because God is undefinable by human language, as best as we may have tried. It is equally fascinating to me when we ignore or rail against this great vastness of imagery, while we consider the book it is in inspired. Personally, I find the kaleidoscope of imagery used for God to be enriching to who I know God to be and most helpful for seeing how God works in the creation that God endowed in God’s image.

Take Moms and Maternal figures.

Try and define your mother with just one word.

You can’t.

Even in the maternal imagery used for God in the Bible, God ranges from the Mama Bear we all know and fear to the Mama Bird who wants to protect her chicks from the harm they will choose or face. God is both fiercely protective and fiercely loving.

Does that sound like your mom?

Mine too.

Mother’s Day is approaching. While it’s nice to single out one day to appreciate the motherly figures in our life, I do wonder if seeing the maternal images of God would help us not only appreciate the person but also the work of God through that person. In doing so, I wonder if men, women, and kids alike might realize that if we are made in the image of God, no matter who we are (Galatians 3:28) then we too can show the maternal fierceness of love and protection to anyone in our lives as well?

Now, where could I find over 100 kids that need the fierce love of God…

Super Hero shield with text on chaotic background

Oh yeah! VBS is coming up! Where SO MANY kids will be seeking love, affection, and protection and we have the blessed opportunity to show them how those things come from God.

Men, women, teens – we need you to SIGN UP TODAY to volunteer!

Kids – there is still room for you to SIGN UP TODAY to be a part of the action!

Mama Bears, Mama Hens, Comforters, etc. There’s a spot for everyone when it comes to teaching our children about Jesus. Join me as we make it part of the Best Summer Ever.

Peace,

David Lessner

shirt and text over celebration star with confetti

On May 21, we will have ONE worship service at 11:00, with Sunday school for all ages at 9:45.

Class of 2023, you can use THIS FORM to submit your photos to Pastor Keri Lynn

HS Photo ablum pages in greyscale

At the “School Spirit” cookout, we want everyone to show their school spirit by showing off their own graduation photo, no matter from pre-school, high school, college, or beyond. Send your photos to Amber Gallimore to be a part of the “School Spirit” slideshow.

*Note – Class of 2023 needs to fill out the form above as a separate process. Amber is putting together a slideshow for everyone’s pictures.

Financially Support our Ministries

Other Events Coming Up On May 21

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