Our Divine Mother Bear

Aaron Austin | January 30, 2025

On Thursday, we made our way to Frankfort for a rally at the capitol to support trans rights.  While we weren't large in numbers, there was a beautiful sense of community.  Several folks shared their hopes and fears and told their stories.  As we introduced ourselves to our fellow protesters, we were often met with kind incredulity when we mentioned we were from a Baptist church, but we were accepted and greeted with smiles, handshakes, and warm hugs.  

Folks were invited to share their stories at the microphone.  As one woman was finishing her story, offering hope and encouragement to everyone present, she said, "I'm a mama bear, and if I see you out there and you're in danger, I'll stand between you and them to keep you safe." (paraphrased).  I felt my heart stir. Tears welled up in my eyes.  Then it hit me — the Gospel was enfleshed before me.  This is the way of Jesus, offering ourselves for one another.  She did not say this with vitriol or arrogance.  She wasn't trying to prove anything.  She saw our true connectedness and offered words of compassion for folks who were hurting.  

The image of God as mother bear can be found in the scriptures too.  These images depict the divine fury of God protecting her young.  What a beautifully powerful image that defies all gender stereotypes and roles.  In her heartfelt reflections, our fellow protestor managed to weave this divine mother bear imagery into the mystery of Christ's self-emptying.  This was a powerful, self-sacrificing love willing to suffer alongside the oppressed.

All our theologizing pales in comparison to love showing up enfleshed before us.  Once again, among those who have been pushed aside, among those whom Empire has tried to erase, I found the beloved community of God alive and loving their way forward.  

It doesn't need to be a rally or a protest, but we have the opportunity to show up and see the love all around us.  Our Divine Mother Bear is with us, surrounding us with a powerful love.  Who knows what our presence may call out in one another.  Who knows what beauty will unfold.