A mother's call

MAIKE BYRD. CHILDREN'S EDITOR

The little fishing village of Soeby in Denmark lay pretty and peaceful in the hot midday sun on July 7. 1 entered the cool interior of the local 15th-century church and marveled at the beautiful, colorful frescos that adorned its white walls and ceilings. A woman guide shared some interesting historical details with a small group of us tourists. As we came to the pulpit, she translated for us the Danish words engraved on it. It was an admonition to keep from doing evil. "Looks like things haven't changed much since those days," she said sadly. "Have you heard about what happened in London today?" I hadn't.

Suddenly the peace and joy I had felt in this were shattered. My horror about the terrible bombings that the guide briefly described was mixed with an urgent concern for my son. He was living in the London area. Had he been traveling on the Underground that day? Was he safe? There was no way I could reach him right then. And my heart went out to God in a desperate search for peace and reassurance. I quietly prayed in the calmness of that spiritual sanctuary until I was able to feel the comfort of God's presence. How relieved and grateful I was when some hours later I heard Justin's voice on the phone: "Hi, Mom. I'm OK. Thanks for calling."

But what about all those who were hurt in the attacks? The suffering and destruction? How does one respond to that?

The Bible promises that God will comfort us like a mother (see Isa. 66:13). As a mother myself, I know that God, our infinite Mother, is always caring for and responding to the needs of Her children with an all-embracing love. Her tender love is a tangible, healing presence—no matter how disturbing, disruptive, and distressful the human scene might be. We can see some of this mothering reflected in the work of anyone who tends to those who are injured and bereaved, or who shows their love and support by praying for people all over the world who are in danger. We invite readers of this magazine from week to week to share in this love and care.

In a very real way, our divine Mother is "calling" all Her children all the time—to assure each one of us: "You are safe, watched over, and protected, because My arms are around you, and you are always in My embrace. You cannot be cut off from Me, and I never leave your side."

WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH. —JESUS

The Christian Science Sentinel was founded in 1898 by Mary Baker Eddy, and its mission remains the same: "to hold guard over Truth, Life, and Love." The Sentinel continues to report on the unlimited ways that the healing power and presence of the Christ activates, uplifts, and transforms the lives of everyday people around the world.

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