An E-mother is not a virtual-reality, generic everywoman face on your computer monitor. It's an emergency mom.
In the 1960s, when the only mobile phones were Star Trek communicators, there was a safety network in place for neighborhood children. When kids walked to school or the bus stop, they knew that they were being watched. If a scuffle broke out, or a child sprawled and scraped both knees, or a suspicious man lurked, all a child had to do was look for the front window with a cardboard “E” placed in the pane. The rectangular sign was red with a white letter that could be seen for quite a distance.
That was the insignia for an E-mother. This was the place to run to in an emergency. A safe-house. An E-mother was a comforting presence; had first-aid skills and a hotline to rescue agencies; and although perhaps a stranger, she could be trusted to keep you safe until your own parents arrived. An E-mother was a volunteer who cared about the well-being of all children, not only her own. She made it a point to stand behind the lace curtains and watch during school “rush hours,” and knew when the school buses discharged their loads. Kids knew to at least act decorously as they passed in front of the E-mother’s yard. If the ice-cream truck parked too close to the crosswalk, or bullying took place, the E-mother would know what to do. She was both the authority and refuge to every child passing through her territory.
Elohim, the Trinity, created both man and woman in His image. Both genders were created to reflect the compassion, mercy, loving-kindness, and forgiveness that so define the great I AM. So it’s no wonder that God is comfortable referring to His love for us in a maternal way, and He commands us in both New and Old Testaments to honor fathers and mothers.
The apostle Paul, a fiery and fiercely strong warrior for God, was so transformed by abiding in Jesus Christ that he was secure enough to write this moving love letter: Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 MSG
Doesn’t that describe a true mother? Loving, uplifting, encouraging.
King David sang the praises of the Lord of Hosts. Although it’s a soldier’s hymn, he also described an E-mother! God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Psalm 46:1-2 CEV.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:6-8 KJV.
Although most of us have had lovely and exemplary mothers, worthy of honor throughout our lives, some do not have the memories, the warm connections, and the heritage of compassion and teaching.
No matter how many birthdays we have behind us, we all feel like children at times: lost, lonely, in need of rescue or an advocate.
Perhaps you long for the affirmation and unconditional love of a mother’s heart. If you are that person, remember that Elohim is not only your Father, but your Mother as well.
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! Isaiah 49:15 NIV.
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 NIV.
Our Lord has been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4 KJV.
When you’re out in the world, having been under attack or needing a place of refuge, remember that our Elohim is ready and waiting, watching out for you, and ready to run to your aid with comfort and compassion.
How can we not respond with love and gratitude?
