This Sunday, 8 May 2011, marks Mother’s Day in the United States. Since the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its leaders have spoken clearly about the significant role of motherhood and the important influence of mothers in instilling Christ-like attributes in their children. Here are just a few of those quotes:
“One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Behold Thy Mother,” April 1998 Ensign
“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be 'full-time moms,' at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.”
M. Russell Ballard, “Daughters of God,” May 2008 Ensign
“A mother that is successful in raising a good boy, or girl, to imitate her example and to follow her precepts through life, sows the seeds of virtue, honor and integrity and of righteousness in their hearts that will be felt through all their career in life; and wherever that boy or girl goes, as man or woman, in whatever society they mingle, the good effects of the example of that mother upon them will be felt; and it will never die, because it will extend from them to their children from generation to generation.”
Joseph F. Smith, "Chapter 4: The Influence of Mothers," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998)
“While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word motherhas layers of meaning. … 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. … For reasons known to the Lord, some women are required to wait to have children. This delay is not easy for any righteous woman. But the Lord’s timetable for each of us does not negate our nature. Some of us, then, must simply find other ways to mother. And all around us are those who need to be loved and led.”
Sheri L. Dew, “Are We Not All Mothers?” November 2001 Ensign
