According to Genesis 2, man was not created first – Adamah was. Interestingly, the “-ah” at the end shows that adamah is a feminine word. Ahem. Also: Adamah is not a person. Adamah is earth. Adamah is soil. Adamah is humus.
So, the first human being was a humus being. It’s only later in the text that the Hebrew words for male (ish) and female (ishah) are noted – those who came out of adamah. The point is, we are not separate from the care of creation: We are creation. Humus and humans are sacred and connected on this earth.
As Martin Luther said: “God must be present in every single creature in its innermost and outermost being…so that nothing can be more truly present and within all creatures than God with all God’s power.”
Feel the humus or moss or grass between your toes. Be humbled before the Lord. The Creator is everywhere in creation.
This message is excerpted from “Take off your shoes.” by Anna Madsen in the September/October 2022 Gather magazine.
Copyright © 2024 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected]. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.