A Journey to Know God More Deeply
Mountain Springs Lodge, Plain Washington
Even though I've written about my Christian faith for many years, what I'm about to share feels more vulnerable and personal than anything I've ever shared publicly, but here goes. Lately, I've felt a deep hunger for a more intimate connection with God—a yearning not just to know about God but to know Him in a personal, experiential way. There’s a difference. The former feels intellectual, a knowledge of facts and theology. But the latter? It's a heart connection, an intimate experience that goes beyond the mind and touches the soul.
God has been gracious in meeting me where I am and honoring that desire in beautiful ways. Though, in my imperfect humanity, I still see through a mirror darkly, even the most fleeting, flickering glimpses of Him are treasured gifts. Other people—men and women—have also acted as instruments of His love, grace, and character, becoming vessels through which God reveals Himself.
Growing up in a traditional evangelical culture, I, like many others, never really encountered language that referred to the Divine Feminine. Intellectually, I understood that God is neither male nor female, but the language used about God has been predominantly masculine. It wasn’t always this way, though. Early Christians sometimes referred to the Holy Spirit with feminine imagery. This part of my spiritual journey—making room for the idea of God as both Father and Mother—has deepened my relationship with Him in unexpected ways.
I’ve been blessed to have a friend, Ani Ponder, who is on a similar journey of discovery. Ani has spent much more time than I have exploring and sharing these ideas through her blog, newsletter, and podcast, Barely Christian, Fully Christian. She is also hosting a women's retreat called Finding Mama God at Mountain Springs Lodge in Plain, Washington, November 8-10th. There are a limited number of spots left. I plan on being there myself, and you’re also invited!
If any of what I’ve shared resonates, I encourage you to check out the retreat. I asked Ani to join me in a mini-interview to help clarify some questions I anticipate you might have.
Interview with Ani Ponder
Me: When you use terms like "Divine Feminine" or "Mama God," can you clarify what you mean?
Ani: I’m referring to the Holy Spirit. In the original biblical languages, the Holy Spirit is represented by feminine pronouns. Terms like "El Shaddai" even refer to feminine acts like birthing and nurturing children. When we look beneath the layers of history, we find that the Holy Spirit truly is our Mother.
Me: Who is this retreat for, and how will it benefit them?
Ani: This retreat is for women of Christian faith—or those who are comfortable with Christian imagery—who want to connect with Mama God. It’s an opportunity to explore how deeply we, as women, reflect the Divine image. The good that can come from this sort of connection is inestimable!
If you’re feeling drawn to this topic or curious about the retreat, I hope you’ll consider joining us. You can find out more about the retreat on Ani’s website HERE. I look forward to connecting with those who share a similar hunger for a deeper, more intimate experience with God.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.