Article October 23, 1995 Issue

In the care of our divine Mother

Virginia Slachman

Both children and adults need mothering care—nourishment, rest, protection, and especially impartial, constant love. Mary Baker Eddy speaks of the essence of this care as spiritual. She writes, "Spirit duly feeds and clothes every object, as it appears in the line of spiritual creation, thus tenderly expressing the fatherhood and motherhood of God" (Science and Health, p. 507). The tender love that we connect with mothers may come to a child through a foster parent, a relative, a neighbor, or even a father. For an adult, it may come through a hug from a friend, some words of encouragement, or a sympathetic ear. But because its true source is our divine Parent, God, it is a love that's available to everyone, by virtue of his or her spiritual identity.

Mothering care has its roots in divine Love, which never wavers for an instant. Understanding this, we can know that it will continue, in some form, throughout our lives.

The dictionary gives an extensive definition of the word care. Included in it are the ideas of protection, alertness, responsibility, provision, and affection. Thinking about these qualities helps us understand more about our Father-Mother God and the mothering we can expect to experience as God's child.

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