Article January 1, 2001 Issue

Julio Rivas, Father and Christian Science practitioner

with contributions from Julio Rivas—Hollywood, CA

For me, womanhood stands for strength. My mother faced troubles in our home with deep spiritual strength. She said, “I don't know how we're going to afford your college education. But God is going to provide it.” You could feel her fierce determination, her deep-seated faith when she said that.

As a child, I realized that the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist — Mary Baker Eddy — was a woman who faced great adversity in a patriarchal society. She was another example, to me, of strong womanhood — the womanhood that represents a spiritual quality that God gives to everyone, not just females.

Christian Science has helped me understand God as both Mother and Father. What a freeing thought that is! It's a beautiful counterbalance to know that strength in manhood is right but that there's also strength in womanhood — in allowing loving and nurturing elements to come through.