COLUMN NAME: PARENTING April 27, 2009 Issue

TRUST IN GOD'S MOTHER-LOVE

COURTNEY BUXTON

AS A MOM, I've felt motherhood's blissful moments overflow my days: my children's first smile or word, their first step which had me leaping for joy. This pure love that fills my heart lifts me in gratitude, and I attribute this to the power and grace of the Mother-love that is God.

Realizing that this Mother-love is always present, I've learned to lean on it through the various trials of parenting. The wisdom in the Bible and Science and Health has taught me how to pray, and prayer has become my choice to find comfort and healing.

The story of God helping Moses become a leader has been a particular help. In spite of his doubts about his own ability, Moses triumphantly led the Israelites through the Red Sea (see Ex. chaps. 6—14). During their fear-filled and turbulent escape from Egypt, Moses fearlessly led and comforted the people and saw everyone safely to the other side. Referring to their victory, Moses' song in Deuteronomy compares their protection to that of an eagle taking care of her young: "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the Lord alone did lead him" (32:11, 12).