If Mama Ain't Happy...

Many of us are familiar with the saying, "If mama ain't happy... ain't nobody happy". And for anyone with a mama in their lives (and most of us have a mama), we are painfully familiar with this true-ism. We all want to be happy and so, we do our best to not offend the one who brought us into this world lest that dear one take us out! All kidding aside, it is a blessing to have a woman in our lives who loves us so deeply and truly wants the best for us.

Although our Heavenly Father, Yahweh's masculine traits are shown time and time again in Scripture (i.e. the Warrior, the King, the True Judge, etc.), He also embodies the tender and nurturing G-d who (to quote a beloved Marty Goetz song), "Loves us as a mother loves her newborn child". He is described as El Shaddai - the All Sufficient One; or in the literal Hebrew translation - the Many Breasted One. Now, don't be shocked and close this page in disgust just yet. I'm not saying at all that we are worshipping a female god or mother-goddess like Ishtar of the Babylonians. Heavens, no! We are not assigning a different "pronoun" to our Creator or "transing" the Almighty! No, no, and NOPE! This particular name - one of many - attributed to our Elohim, simply describes His love and compassion for us in a way that we can relate to. We all know that every human being has the capacity for strength, courage, and protectiveness as well as the softer traits such as gentleness, sensitivity, and the desire to offer comfort. These traits are found in both men and women of Yah and in no way change anything about His nature or the way the He created us. There is nothing so heartwarming as the sight of a strong man cradling his baby or inspiring as a woman defending her child against the world in true "Mama Bear" fashion.

This brings us to the subject of "Mama" who's day we will be celebrating this weekend. Yahweh created these special ladies with both characteristics when it comes to raising godly children. Our mothers' happiest moments are when their "pride and joy" survives the challenges of childhood and turns out better than what she feels is humanly possible. Her blood, sweat and many tears were worth it all. And yes, we had a part to play: love and obedience. We dread hurting our mamas in any way, shape or form and so, we strive to make her happy. Because, if mama ain't happy...

This is also the way we picture our Creator: He loves us, protects us and provides for us. He also defends us, corrects us, and if necessary... reprimands us. If Yahweh ain't happy... ain't NOBODY happy! So, should we operate out of fear and dread? No. Everything we do... or don't do should be governed by our love, respect, and obedience to the One who loves us the most.

"By the Almighty [El Shaddai] who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts [shaddayim] and of the womb [racham]" - Gen. 49:25

As we look forward to celebrating one of Yahweh's greatest gifts to us, let us grow to appreciate His enduring love for us as well.

Oh, and call your mother.