God’s Image Reflected in Motherhood

               What is a woman? In a post-Christian world, this query apparently stumps many who have spent their lives studying medicine and biology. However, my preschool and kindergarten friends understand perfectly what a woman is. Many little girls show me their baby dolls and excitedly tell me their plans to grow up to be a mommy. The boys pipe up that they are boys, so they will be daddies. Clearly defined roles of male and female are born into the hearts of every newborn. From the beginning, God created male and female in His image. Without any training, children can understand their differences and rejoice in them.  Consequently, even those who stumble over defining womanhood most likely have clear expectations of what a mother should be. Whether their mothers met or underwhelmed those expectations, a baseline was established because God placed His image in each heart.

²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27

Much of God’s image revealed throughout the Bible reflects His masculine nature with references to Him as Father, as well as the revelations of His strength and power. However, the Bible also reveals God’s maternal aspects.

Isaiah 66:19 compares God’s desire to comfort His people to a mother comforting her children.

¹³ As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you;
and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 and Matthew 23:37 speak of mother birds spreading their wings over their offspring, illustrating God’s loving and fierce protection of His people.

As an eagle stirreth up her nest,
fluttereth over her young,
spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them,
beareth them on her wings:
¹² So the LORD alone did lead him,
and there was no strange god with him. Deuteronomy 32:11-12

³⁷ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:37

Isaiah 49:15 describes God as a nursing mother unable to forget her children, reflecting His faithful provision and constant attention.

Can a woman forget her sucking child,
that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?
yea, they may forget,
yet will I not forget thee.
¹⁶ Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;
thy walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:15-16

The lifegiving, comforting, nourishing, protective instinct born into the hearts of women often flows out, whether a woman has children or not. Many women become spiritual mothers because of those natural maternal instincts. Motherhood is not limited to just those born from our bodies.

Proverbs 11:30 speaks of a life that offers life by its righteousness, and this is the perfect metaphor for both biological and spiritual motherhood.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

Mothers must receive the water of life and daily “Sonshine” to offer healthy fruit to those around them. Such lifegiving nourishment will go far beyond just one’s own household, but those closest will receive the most benefit.

Whether this Mother’s Day finds you reflecting on unmet expectations or thanksgiving for the life-giving nourishment you have received, all of us can find everything we need in the One who created us and sustains us still. May this Mother’s Day bless your heart with God’s unfailing love.

Happy Mother’s Day! Have a blessed day.

Erica B.