That sounds strange, I know.

We think of God the Father, and Jesus was a man so the picture in our mind is a male figure when we think of God. And rightly so. But we seem to forget that God created man in his image “male and female” he created them. Gen. 1:27

Now stay with me here.

This isn’t a post about sexuality or alternative life choices. It’s about sometimes missing the fact that both men and women possess the characteristics of God in their individual roles. Not to stereotype, but the majority of men exhibit certain character traits and most often, women demonstrate others.

For example, men are typically designed as providers who fight for and lead their families. Does that mean a woman can’t provide for or protect her children? Of course not. Many couples share the role of provider,  and moms are pretty protective when it comes to their young!

Women tend to be the multitaskers who can handle a number of jobs at one time (anyone with kids knows the necessity of that). They are the nurturers and the ones who feed the physical (food & clothes) and emotional needs of their families. Just ask a man what’s for dinner. See?

So can a man be nurturing multitaskers? Absolutely! My sons who are fathers, as well as numerous other men I know, do a great job of caring for their kids in a compassionate, nurturing way. (Most of the time.)

So what’s my point?

God is a loving parent with characteristics of both a mother and a father:

You deserted the Rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.                                                                                            Deut. 32:18

Here are some of the verses that speak to his fatherhood role:

• “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son…” Deut. 1:31
• “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
• “Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us?” Malachi 2:10
• “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”” James 1:17
• “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

And a few that speak to the aspect of the mother’s role:

• “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
• “…hide me in the shadow of your wings…” Psalm 17:8 (like a mother bird)
• “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

As a father, He:

Trains me, arms me, shields me, rescues me, sustains me, delivers me, revives me, vindicates me, redeems me, blesses me, fights for me and destroys my enemies.

Displaying the role of a mother, He:

Comforts me, binds my wounds, anoints me with healing oil, clothes me with garments of joy, praise and righteousness, and gathers me to him like a hen gathers her chicks.

And as both a mother and father he guides me, teaches me, instructs me, rebukes me, disciplines me, confides in me, receives me, and helps me.

How does that relate to us moms?

Sometimes as moms we can feel as though our role isn’t important. We know all the tasks we have to accomplish and perform them without necessarily evaluating them. But in the mundane, every day of mothering we can lose sight of our value.

Let’s be confident and assured that the role God gives us is part of his character and so very important!

God says we are “worth more than rubies,” “a gift to our husbands,” “respected, blessed and praised,” and that we should be given the reward we’ve earned. (Prov.31)

May blessings be upon you today, mothers.

You exhibit the mother heart of God.