Faith.
The Blessing of Work-Introduction
We often make much-and rightfully so- of the “maternal instinct” or “mother’s intuition” or “nesting”. And studies show that women’s brains and men’s brains work differently.
These are some of the non-physical attributes than distinguish women from men. While some scoff at it, a woman is generally more caring and nurturing than a man-by design.
Some very interesting studies show the changes in a woman once she is pregnant and in childbearing well beyond the obvious physical changes. “It is true that while pregnant, breastfeeding and caring for a new baby, mothers undergo hormonal changes that prime them for caretaking’, says Helena Rutherford, a researcher at the Yale School of Medicine’s Child Study Center. ‘These hormones, including oxytocin or the ‘love’ hormone, encourage bonding between the infant and mother.’” It readies the brain for “infant worship”.
The Smithsonian Magazine reports on other fascinating studies on lab mice that show that a mother’s body carries cells with a totally different DNA than that of the mother-they come from their unborn and cross the placenta into the mother’s body. In the event of a heart attack, these cells rush to repair/rebuild the mother’s heart. “It’s not just hearts. A mother’s body is like her living room, strewn with kid castoffs and debris.
Scientists discover fetal cells in the darnedest places. Our children colonize our lungs, spleens, kidneys, thyroids, and skin. Their cells embed in our bone marrow and breasts. Often, they stay forever. Scientists find rogue fetal cells while autopsying the cadavers of old women, whose babies are now middle-aged. Long after giving birth, the bodies of surrogate mothers are scattered with the genes of strangers’ progeny. The phenomenon is called ‘fetal microchimerism’”
Side note: these cells which come from the baby have a totally different DNA than the mother. There is “an elephant in the room” when abortion is discussed or contemplated which I rarely, if ever, hear mentioned. The baby is not just a tissue part of the mother’s body. It is a new completely unique human being with its own unique DNA. This begins at conception.
The “maternal instinct” is real-theologically, scientifically and practically. Why do we rarely hear about the “paternal instinct”? There is a saying: “Hell is when a man wants to work to support his family and there is no work available” …. to be continued
Dr. Lonnie W. Stine, Pastor – Badger Community Church 11198 Badger Drive, Waupaca, WI
An independent, Bible teaching, local church. Sunday: 9:00 am Bible Study, 10:00 am Morning Worship
About the Author
