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Is. 46:3-4, 66:13-14a,
Psalm 23, Matthew 7:7-11
Godmom: "God Is A Mother and She's Waiting For
Her Children"
The scriptures offer many visions of God
- as shepherd, as bridegroom, as father and mother. Imagine with
us this morning that God is a mother and she's waiting for her children…
(Mother God enters carrying photo album)
Oh good, you're here! I've been hoping that
we could spend some time together.
I was just looking through my memory book and thinking back to when
you were a baby. There are so many things I've wanted to tell you
but we're always so busy with so many things to do that it's easy
to lose track of time. I've learned the hard way that too often
we put off telling each other how much we love each other, waiting
for the right time, taking for granted that there'll always be another
day. I don't want to wait until there's a crisis, so let me first
tell how much I love you. But wait. You look a little confused.
Good heavens, you don't recognize me, do you? Has it been that long?
Oh…I see, (nodding) I'm not quite what you expected, am I?
You were thinking of someone older, more manly with a long white
beard perhaps? I did get a new hair cut recently, but I have many
different looks; what you see depends on what you're looking for.
(Pulling up a chair) Let's sit down.
(Patting album) You can't imagine how excited
I was when I found out that you were going to be born! I'd waited
a long time and there were so many dreams. I wanted everything to
be perfect for you - beautiful and safe. Things were pretty chaotic
back then. What with separating the heavens and earth, landscaping,
creating animals to keep you company, making sure there was plenty
to eat- it was a good thing that I had a little advance notice.
You can't create a perfect world in a day you know! I admit I was
proud of myself. When I'd finished I looked around, saw everything
and said to myself "This is good, very good for a first try.
Paradise in fact!" (Pointing to the album) You thought so too,
look at your face. You were so happy...
Every moment was exciting as you grew; you
learned something new everyday. So smart you were, smart and talented
and beautiful. Does that embarrass you? I hope not. Every child
should hear a parent say that. You are wonderful, the best part
of me! It's still hard to believe that I created you - you're a
miracle!
That's not to say that you've always been
easy to live with. (Shaking your head)
Oh no! I've tried to raise you to be independent and strong but
good heavens! I haven't always been prepared for the choices you
made. The purple hair dye and the tattoos were unattractive (making
a face then softening) … but not awful - I'll love you no matter
what you looked like. And I wasn't crazy about you quitting school
and running off to "find yourself." I knew you wanted
adventure and romance. It's the danger I've a hard time with; the
relationships with people who use you, the experimenting with things
that hurt your body and mind, the race for money and power that
seem so seductive but leave you empty and cynical... And the fighting…
that's the one that really bothers me.
2)
Now don't look like you've never heard this
before! I know I've told you a million times. Wait a minute (looking
in her bag pulling out 2 tablets with the 10 commandments and finding
"Do not kill.") Here it is. Number 6. (Looking stern)
What part of "Thou shall not kill" don't you understand?
Your brother told you the same thing, remember;
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? That's
our family rule. You know, I raised all of you to be strong and
smart. But I can't abide by bullies and I never dreamed you'd come
up with some of the weapons you have. I used to be afraid you'd
just poke your eye out with those sticks in Eden… now you have
the power to destroy the world. Dear child, it's not enough just
to be smart anymore. I expect you to be wise and loving. (Puts hand
up as if to stop a come-back) I know, I know… "But he
started it." That's the problem. Someone's always ready to
start something. It takes a really courageous person to stop it.
That's who I created you to be.
Someone said that having children is like
having your heart walking around outside your body. It's so true.
I've had a hard time standing back and letting you make mistakes,
especially when they were ones I've made, and I knew how much you'd
hurt. I didn't need to punish you then - you'd already done that
to yourself. Fortunately most of your bruises have been superficial.
But the real wounds that you've suffered, I feel those as if they
were my own. You know, you're only as happy as your most unhappy
child. When those struggles come I hope you'll remember that I'll
always be here for you.
I wish I could promise that the hard times
won't ever come, but in order for life to be full you'll have pain
and pleasure. Part of being independent is making decisions, and
despite what you might have heard about predestination, I give you
free will and the chance to choose what you'll do with your life.
That's why I spent so much time drilling those commandments into
your head when you were younger - to give you values that will last.
I don't want you to obey me for my sake. No! Those rules are for
you - to help you become your best self, for your sake as well as
for the world. I know you've sometimes thought I was too demanding,
that I was tougher on you than your parent's friends were on them,
that my expectations are too high... but I know what you're capable
of, and I believe in what you can accomplish.
(Looking at the album and then out at the
congregation) The time goes so fast. Just look at you now... I wish
we had more time together. I want to be a part of your life…not
to nag you or make you feel guilty about how you're living (though
I do wish you'd eat better and get more sleep. And, please, stand
up straight. You're so attractive when your posture is good. Oh
dear, once a mother, always a mother! Sorry!) More than anything,
I want you to be happy. So let me ask you about your spirit. Are
you happy? Does your life satisfy you? Are you spending time with
people who love you, people you love? Do you enjoy your work? Do
you have a sense of purpose with what you do? No matter how old
you are I still have dreams for you. I want what's best for you
and I'll do what ever I can to make that possible.
3)
For as long as you live I'll be here, giving you everything I have,
praying for you and waiting until we can spend time like this together
so that I can tell you, face to face, how much I love you. (Standing)
I know you have to go. Be well, my child. (Blowing a kiss). I can't
wait to visit with you again.
Please click any
of the following links to view the other Sermons:
Anger
Harmony
Godmom
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