permission pending from Bare Foot Photography (Taryn)

1. Isaiah uses the shocking hyperbole comparing God to a birthing mother and a man of war. What clashing images could we use today in order to wake us up?   

I see these two metaphors of God as the same thing in many ways - both mother and warrior are fighting for life. Both put every ounce of physical strength they have into making this future life possible. Both have a great emotional investment and a passionate love for the cause they are fighting for. Both cause significant trauma to themselves and the one they are seemingly in battle against. The newborn does not understand the violent journey s/he is being subjected to, but in the end there's new life that wouldn't be possible otherwise.

I wonder often about how the trials we face now might be orchestrated (not mandated) by God to lead to growth and a fuller life for us personally, as a community, as a nation, and even as a single world in a galaxy among galaxies. I feel hopeful when I think of God as one fighting on the side of life and love. (Sorry to use that overused word, but none other would quite do.) ♥️

- Penny

2. How do you emotionally navigate the schizophrenic image of God that Isaiah presents through the images of both mother and warrior? 

I am both inspired and disheartened, when I meditate on the god-images of Mother and Warrior. Encouraged insofar as these images strongly support one another. Confounded in that they seem to nullify one another. Is a warrior mother really a mom at all? And what good does a mommy-like warrior do in a battle to the death? Hindu theology might have it right when they assigned both creator and destroyer to one of their primary gods, Kali. I am reminded of this tongue-stuck-out deity when I read Isaiah in a certain way.

- Paul

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