Article May 25, 1968 Issue

The Motherhood of God

JEANETTE BARBARA HOWES

A student of Christian Science had experienced an instantaneous healing of grief at the passing on of her mother but had not entirely overcome the feeling of missing her actual presence. Sometimes she longed to see her just to share with her the happenings of everyday life.

One afternoon she attended a Christian Science lecture. Shortly before it started, she became aware that the prevailing atmosphere of animated conversation had changed to hushed stillness. At other times prior to the beginning of a lecture this student had experienced an awareness of what she felt was the presence of God. On this occasion, however, this period was accompanied by a particular inflow of tender, all-embracing love. Thoughts of the motherhood of God flooded her consciousness; and the feeling she then had of being cared for, watched over, and loved as a child by its mother has remained with her ever since. The longing for her own mother's presence was healed that afternoon, and the unfoldment of God as Mother has been a continuous blessing to her and to her family.

The world generally thinks of God as Father, as He or Him; but how wonderfully complete a picture is brought forth by Mrs. Eddy! Throughout her writings she reveals the great spiritual fact that God is not only the Father of man but also his Mother. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Love, the divine Principle, is the Father and Mother of the universe, including man." ^{Science and Health, p. 256;}