If you need some motivation or comfort for your role as a mother, here are five General Conference talks about motherhood. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focuses on family, including the roles of parents. Throughout the history of the church, leaders have taught the importance of motherhood and fatherhood in the plan of salvation. With Mother’s day coming up this weekend, these wonderful talks will remind you of the divinity of your calling as mothers.
Are We Not All Mothers by Sheri Dew
Sheri Dew is well known within the church for her previous role as a member of the General Relief Society President and for being an author and her work with Deseret Book. Despite never being married or having children, Sister Dew discusses the important role of motherhood in her 2001 General Conference address, Are We Not All Mothers. Sister Dew opens the talk with a story of the maternal instinct she felt to protect her nieces during an uncomfortable situation. She asks the question that she had asked herself, why the doctrine of motherhood is taught over and over again by prophets. She explains that it is because mothers have a sacred role in establishing the Lord’s kingdom on the Earth, a role that the adversary is constantly attacking.
“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.”
Behold Thy Mother by Elder Holland
In his 2015 General Conference talk, Elder Jeffery R. Holland talks about the loving and selfless nature of mothers. He compares their devotion and sacrifice to Jesus Christ. This is a common theme in the scriptures as a mother’s love is used to show us how much Christ loves us. While many women don’t like being put on a pedestal, I don’t feel that was Elder Holland’s intention. Instead, I think he was teaching the doctrine of charity and how righteous mothers embody it. It makes sense that we would have a strong love for the children we bore, just as Christ has a strong love for each of us since he bore our sins and afflictions. Unlike Christ, mothers are not perfect, but perhaps our love for our children is.
“…no love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child.”
Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents by Elder Utchdorf
In the most recent General Conference, Elder Dieter F. Utchdorf spoke to anxiety of parents who try their best. Many parents feel overwhelmed by the obligation of raising righteous children and influencing how they view God and themselves. As Elder Utchdorf points out, we receive these babies from God with a responsibility to care for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. While this may be daunting, we have Christ on our side. Every child has the light of Christ directly connecting them to God. He is by our sides as we raise and teach our kids. As we turn to Him, the Lord will magnify our gifts.
“They form their understanding of life, love, God, and His plan based on what they observe from the people around them—especially their parents, who, honestly, are still trying to figure things out for themselves.”
Covenant Women in Partnership with God by Elder Eyring
Elder Eyring spoke to the sisters about their divine role in helping to build the kingdom of God on the Earth. The Lord has called us to minister to His children. We each have different calls as mothers, teachers, friends, ministering sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and ward members. With the Holy Ghost as our guide, we will know how we can bless others as we fulfill our purposes.
“Becoming a covenant woman in partnership with God is how great and good daughters of God have always mothered, led, and ministered, serving in whatever way and place He has prepared for them.”
A Plea to My Sisters President Nelson
In 2015, President Nelson spoke to the women of the church and reminded them how much they are needed. In this final dispensation, the world needs covenant keeping women who live the gospel. The prophet said that we need women who can identify deception and who can feel the Holy Ghost. Families and local congregations need righteous women to lead equally beside men.
For all the wonderful mothers, I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s day! While motherhood is often a thankless job, know that your Heavenly Parents are pleased with you. They are proud of you for doing your best to nurture, teach, and love Their precious children. What a privilege it is to be entrusted to care for God’s children.
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