Mothers Who Know

"There is eternal influence and power in Motherhood."

Julie B. Beck

I love a new year with it's fresh, clean start and new motivations to start anew. And along with that, come new themes. I love this because it changes my focus and allows me to think of new possibilities. Today at church, we had the most wonderful lesson on Motherhood. The Relief Society Presidency decided to focus on this for the year to help us realize that as women, we are all mothers in one way or the other. Her lesson was loosely based on this book:

I happen to have this book and it is awesome! I have also had the pleasure of meeting this author, Ardeth Greene Kapp, as she was my friend's aunt. Interestingly, she was never able to have children of her own. But as a Mission President's wife, she "mothered" hundreds of missionaries. She is such an amazing lady!

In our lesson, the teacher referred to the Stripling Warriors of the Book of Mormon and how they were valiant and strong. They attributed their courage and keeping the commandments to the strength of their Mothers. They were faithful and believed because they knew "our Mothers knew it" (Alma 56:48). Although the responsibility of this scares me to death, it also gives my great hope to know of the influence I can have on my children if I choose to live righteously and give them the strength and anchor that they need. That's a sobering responsibility but one that is also very empowering to me! She reminded us that we need to shepherd our children, just as the Savior shepherds us- with gentle guidance (not pushing), example, and unconditional love.

A few other key points from her lesson that I have to record so I never forget are:

• We work with our Heavenly Father to raise "our" children
• Heavenly Father knows our children even better than we do. And He has a plan.
• We need to teach our children to help and serve others. Ask who needs love and compassion at this time?
• Bear testimony to your children so that they have the absolute knowledge that the Stripling Warriors did.
• And when children give you a hard time, tell them "If I don't teach you this (specific lesson, ie. family prayer) I won't go to the Celestial Kingdom. Are you okay with that??" Loved that one! :)

She also referenced the talk "Mothers Who Know" by Julie B. Beck, RS General President. I think this will forever be one of my favorite talks. A few of my favorite parts are:

• "When Mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children." (I sure hope so! Because some days I wonder.)
• Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances. "They know that if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals."
• "Helping growth occur through nurturing..."
• "These wise Mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most."
• Mothers who know do less. "They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home..." "They are willing to live on less...to spend more time with their children..."
• Mothers who know stand strong and immovable.

Kathy (the teacher) closed with the thought that again, as women, all of us are mothers, regardless of our ability to have children. I am so grateful for the blessing of my children in life and that I get to be a Mother! I wouldn't trade it for anything. I want to be a Mother that knows!

"Motherhood" is a state of mind, a state of heart.