I AM MADE IN THE IMAGE OF THE GREAT I AM,
MY CENTER IS ROOTED IN GOD, I AM
This is a reality that is clearly beyond both biological distinctions of male and female and the cultural distinctions that have developed of masculine and feminine. The metaphors used in our language about God are rooted in the human experience. In this sense all cultural characteristics that are used to describe qualities as masculine or feminine can be used in speaking about God as a means of reflecting the totality of human experience.
he passage in Ex.,
ch. 3, describing God's self-revelation to Moses points toward
an image of God that is sometimes overlooked in our view of Old
Testament tradition: the image of servant. In and through the
actions of the liberator are those of the servant or
helper (ezer). The Ex. 34:6
interpretation of the name Yahweh makes this more clear as it
reminds us that "God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and
abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Yahweh is related
to humankind in a covenant relationship of love and concern.
This same idea is reflected in the two Genesis versions of
creation. Genesis 1:26 speaks of the creation of man and woman
in the image of God. "Let us make ... [humankind] in our image,
after our likeness; and let them have dominion over ... all the
earth." "Male and female ... [God] created them." Exactly what
the author means by the word "image" is not clear, but it is
evident that the Priestly writer wishes to point to an analogy
between God and man-and-woman. The analogy is not merely
anthropomorphic because in Israel's view human beings are
theomorphic. They are an image of Elohim. The plural word for
God (Elohim) and the words "let us .." reflect not only the idea
of God surrounded by a heavenly court but also the notion of God
as combining all the characteristics of the male and female gods
in the Canaanite pantheon which Yahweh transcends, yet includes.
This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, the book where all of the sayings and preaching of Rabbis are conserved over time.
It says: "Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved."
In the east where the dawn brings the sun, the Creator planted a garden paradise; in which was brought forth woman and man. In this way has their Creator fashioned them. They were one of the same. Such was the union of the two. And they were brought forth to the delight of the other... And the Creator stood back and looked through the creation. And the Creator was well please with the creation, for it was seen to be very good. And the Creator created life to bring forth more life, after its kind, to be fruitful and multiple...
A true love story is a poem. This is because poetry speaks in ways larger than mere words. Poetry speaks through metaphor and rhythm; ultimately becoming song. The true love story is the eternal love story. This is the story of woman and man as their Creator has brought them forth. With the exceeding capacity, for the love of the other. The beginning record of man’s purpose is of necessity the story of love. The love between a man and woman. The love that brings forth children. It is from this foundation of life and living the Creator brings forth those elements which are spiritual in nature. In the book of Genesis, beginning at the opening of the book, we read of a man named Adam and his wife, his one and only, Eve.