So yesterday morning I was reading some quotes on mothers. It uplifted me and helped me to remember some things about myself and those around me. It also reminded me how important it is to consistently be reading things that are uplifting and positive (music included).
You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
When we understand the magnitude of motherhood, it becomes clear why prophets have been so protective of woman’s most sacred role. While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve “the mother of all living”—and they did so before she ever bore a child. Like Eve, our motherhood began before we were born. Just as worthy men were foreordained to hold the priesthood in mortality, righteous women were endowed pre-mortally with the privilege of motherhood. Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.
Sheri Dew
Some women give birth and raise children but never “mother” them. Others, whom I love with all my heart, “mother” all their lives but have never given birth. Therefore, we must understand that however we accomplish it, parenthood is the highest of callings, the holiest of assignments.
— Patricia Holland, A Quiet Heart
In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. . . . Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. . . . Remember, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
-- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She Is a Mother”, Ensign, May 1997
So when life gets a hard and you feel judged for one reason or another, it is always nice to read some words of the leaders of our church and be reminded who we really are!
Happy Monday!
