Wit and Wisdom by Adam Harbinson

It focused on an event in the lives of my parents that demonstrated the difference between the loving heart of a mother and the protective characteristics of a father; you can read it on my website: www.adamharbinsonbooks.com

And elsewhere I wrote about a wonderful little book by Henri Nouwen - ‘The return of the Prodigal’ - in which I admit I felt quite disturbed by him referring to God as ‘She’ all the way through one chapter. But, when you consider the creation story, we’re told that God created us, male and female, in ‘his’ own image.

Clearly, God possesses characteristics of both, but I guess one could be cynical and allege that the early church ‘fathers’ opted for male in order to project the church as a patriarchal community with women submitting to men and having no meaningful role in religious affairs, with the exception of course of the ‘mission field.’

We’re all going through a rough time at the moment with many high profile psychologists saying that only after this madness ends will we know the full damaging effects of the powerlessness and isolation that’s part and parcel of this current lockdown.

So, what I’m suggesting is that while there are times in our lives when we need a father to give us courage and equip us for the difficulties that life can throw at us, there are times when it’s not helpful to relate to a father figure, and I don’t mean that God is not enough.

For example, think of the injunction given to Joshua when he assumed leadership of the Israeli people following Moses’ death: ‘This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.’

That might not be helpful when all we want is to climb on to mother’s lap for a comforting cuddle.

There is a view that the Holy Spirit is referred to in the Bible in terms of the female gender. However, there is little evidence to support that view, but we only have to consider scriptures, such as Psalm 23, to see that our creator is compassionate, loving and tender.

Maybe that’s why I could see that aspect of God’s character in my saintly old mother.

Aren’t there times when all we need is a motherly hug?

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