“Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” released in 1988 made Bobby McFerrin a household name in pop music. He later started doing incredible things with his singing, being able to perform remarkable instrumental works with his voice – like pieces by Bach and Vivaldi. He has this incredible falsetto, singing style that has made him one of the most widely-known, and unique vocal legends of our time.

If you look at the words of our offertory anthem, McFerrin’s setting of the 23^rd Psalm, you’ll see he uses the pronouns “She” and “Her.” Pay attention to how simple, prayerful, and meditative the music is. If you think of the kind of love you received from your mother, your grandmother, or any female that may have influenced your life, you’ll hear how appropriate the feminine pronouns are in this contemplative work.

Today is Mother’s Day, and it’s also Good Shepherd Sunday, so I thought this piece would be perfect. God is genderless anyway, but still, you can’t help but be awakened to a new feeling, when you hear the 23^rd Psalm with maternal pronouns, highlighting the “other” side of God’s nature. But may I remind you that God is the Alpha AND the Omega, so why not Father AND Mother? We often forget the feminine ethos of God’s love, receptivity, care, and tenderness. God does indeed shepherd us, but we also can sense the maternal love of our creator. Surely it can’t be that controversial.

So happy Mother’s Day, AND happy Good Shepherd Sunday. Let’s celebrate both sides of God’s love. If you were lucky to have been raised by two parents, give thanks for God’s dual blessings. My parents have been together for 54 years, and I have learned so much by being loved by both of them. I hope this anthem helps you to know the traversing nature of God as all in all, beginning and end, mother and father. That seems to work for me, and if it doesn’t quite work for your theological sensibilities, I’d take a quote from McFerrin’s other song and tell you, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Soli deo Gloria!