Happy Mothering Sunday

​And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."
--Mark 3:33-35

When Mother's Day is approaching, we often talk in our weekly worship staff meeting about being sensitive on Mother's Day to the variety of feelings people have around the day based on their own family and life experiences. We recognize the day can bring as much sadness and grief as joy and celebration, depending upon one's vantage point in life. One of the ways we address this is by trying to focus on the word "mother" more as a verb rather than a noun.

In her book Captivating, Stasi Eldredge writes, "...the word mother is more powerful when used as a verb rather than a noun. All women are not mothers, but all women are called to mother...A woman is not less of a woman because she is not a wife or has not physically born a child...All women are made in the image of God in that we bring forth life."

To mother is "to give birth to, to create, to watch over, nourish, and protect." As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit blesses each of us, male and female, with gifts to help others fully become who God created them to be. When we love and nurture others in the faith, we are partnering with God in bringing forth new life in the name of the One who is "the way, the truth, and the life."

Think, if you will, about those who have mothered or fathered you in the faith and offer thanks to God for them. Then consider this question: "Who, outside of my family, am I mothering or fathering in the faith?" Then ask God to reveal to you who and how you can mother and father someone outside your family.

I hope to see you on this "Mothering" Sunday at Northbrook, a spiritual family where God welcomes ALL as members of the family of God!

Pastor Jennie