Motherhood

As a mother, it is easy to feel that I am not "good enough" or not "worthy enough" to be raising God's little children. With all of the different "mothering methods" being thrown at me, it is difficult sometimes to know if what I am doing is right and worthwhile. After reading the words of the general authorities, I learned many things about the role of mothers.

Motherhood is such an amazing role in the Lord's plan for each of us. Personally, I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to bear and raise children with my husband. I feel that it is my duty and responsibility to care for and teach my children in the home so that they may be prepared to face the trials that the adversary will throw at them. So far for me, motherhood has proven to be the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. However, recognizing the divinity of my role as a mother helps pull me through each sleepless night, one more of the seemingly endless diaper changes, and each sickness and fever. The Lord has been right beside me through the thick and thin of being a mother.

There is also so much joy to be had from being a mother. Just as it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, it has also proved so far to be the most rewarding. Each time my daughter learns something new, I am overcome with excitement as I can say "I taught her that!" When I think of the joy that I feel from watching my little one grow and develop, it gives me a small glimpse into the unconditional love that our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. I have no doubt in my mind that He rejoices with us when we succeed and weeps with us when we fail, just as we do with our own children. Each day, I have to remind myself that I am not going to be able to a perfect mother - no matter how hard I try. But, with the Lord on my side, I will be able to raise my children in a way that is pleasing unto Him and in a way that will help them progress toward their eternal goal of returning to their Father in Heaven.

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Quentin L. Cook, LDS Women are Incredible!, April 2011 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/lds-women-are-incredible?lang=eng

To the women within the sound of my voice who dearly want to be mothers and are not, I say through your tears and ours on that subject, God will yet, in days that lie somewhere ahead, bring 'hope to [the] desolate heart.'

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She is a Mother," April 1997 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," 1995 September General Relief Society Meeting, http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique... 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, April 2008 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/daughters-of-god?lang=eng

The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife - or both - may still be in school... Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent... The car, if there is one, runs on smooth tires and an empty tank... 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.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She is a Mother," April 1997 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng

Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, October 1993 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/for-time-and-all-eternity?lang=eng

This divine service of motherhood can be rendered only by mothers. It may not be passed to others. Nurses cannot do it; public nurseries cannot do it; hired help cannot do it - only mother, aided as much as may be by the loving hands of father, brothers, and sisters, can give the full needed measure of watchful care.

Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, October 1993 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1993/10/for-time-and-all-eternity?lang=eng

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation.

L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, April 2010 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-teaching-children-in-the-home?lang=eng

Mothers... you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She is a Mother," April 1997 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/04/because-she-is-a-mother?lang=eng

 M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2008 General Conference, http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/daughters-of-god?lang=eng