Mother's Day Thoughts

      A few years ago, a friend that I go walking with told me about the National Mother of the Year Convention held in Utah.  Her husband was asked to be a judge, so she was invited to a dinner where she met some of the women nominees and heard many of their amazing stories.  She told me that Sheri Dew was the speaker.   My friend said when Sheri Dew was asked to speak, her immediate response was to decline--why would a childless women be asked to speak at such a convention?  Just after telling her secretary to decline the invitation, Sheri Dew felt a strong impression that she should stop her secretary’s decline and she should be the speaker.  Her tribute to mothers was a call to return to teaching the values of virtue and integrity. 

     I found an article that Sheri Dew wrote in the Desert News about her address at the conference, titled, “The Influenceof Mothers.”  She also mentioned her trial of not having her own children, but the urgency she feels to fight for motherhood.  I, too, feel an urgency to defend motherhood and to buoy up and support mothers around me.  Nothing in this world is an influential as a mother.  I feel an internal drive to seek out opportunities to use my inborn gifts as a women, to nurture children and youth within my sphere of influence.  As a daughter of God and a member of His eternal family, how can I hold back?    

     Here is Sheri Dew’s article from the newspaper.  As I read it, I felt more empowered to do my part in strengthen mothers around me.  So, I am passing it on to you…

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700133244/The-Influence-of-Mothers.html

        If Sheri Dew can have the courage to speak at a National Mother of the Year Convention, what can we be doing in our small ways to promote and protect the virtue of motherhood? 

     A few years ago a co-worker of mine asked me if Mother’s Day was a hard day for me.  One year I had a really tender experience that changed the way I look at Mother’s Day. 

     After finishing an internship one year, I moved back into my parents’ house, as I was waiting to move into a friend’s condo.  This was the ward I grew up in.  The Bishop asked me speak in Sacrament Meeting…on Mother’s Day!   After getting my assignment, I re-read a favorite talk of mine by Sheri Dew, “Are We Not All Mothers?”   From her talk I shared, “Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it certainly is 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.” I really felt that in my heart.

     Also, instead of being a day filled with intense pain and a desire to hide, I reflect on the women in my life who have mothered me.  

     My Primary teacher, Sister Best, who encouraged me to bear my testimony in sacrament meeting. I think that may have been where my testimony began.  Her son died in a horse-riding accident and she held onto the Gospel  and God for comfort.   

     Sister Vanderstein, who loved our Sunday School class, even after we went through a dozen teachers that year--we were ridiculously rowdy and uncontrollable.  Her example of staying strong and coming to church, even though her husband was not a member of the church has lasted with me to this day. 

     Sister Sargent and Sister Belnap for acting crazy at Girl’s Camp—for teaching me that living the Gospel was truly fun and worth it. 

     The rock solid testimony born by Sister Allen, right after her son was born with a major heart defect and down syndrome. 

    Sister Florence for her love of the Gospel and testimony shared Sunday during lessons.

     Mrs. Fox, my 2^nd and 4th grade teacher.  She believed in me and I felt her love.

     Mr. Bodrero, who whipped our 6^th grade class into shape with love—our behavior caused two teachers to quit during the school year. 

     I thought about many of my Young Women’s leaders, Primary teachers, school teachers, friends’ mothers, like Sister Cash and Sister Terry, who opened their homes to me and made me feel loved from the time their families moved into the neighborhood and all the time I spent with their daughters. 

     I also thought about an aunt that still calls me every year on my birthday. 

     In my mind, I went down the street of neighbors and reflected on the influence of the many, many women who helped shape me; who helped guide me; who nurtured me.  I probably wasn't the easiest kid to love. My heart burst with gratitude for many women who loved me unconditionally and saw my potential.

     I give a shout out to all women who nurture in any capacity.  I declare that women do not need to bear children to mother.

     This Mother’s Day, I encourage you to reflect on that many women who have nurtured and mothered you.  Choose one, reach out to her and let her know. 

     One woman said, “Mother’s Day is not merely a time to remember those who bear children, but a celebration of the essence of who we are as women.”

    Last year in Sacrament Meeting, my Bishop's wife gave a talk on Mother's Day and she said, 

     "We are never too old, too young, too single, or too married to mother." 

      I found a beautiful article that shares some similar thoughts in the the Ensign from last month.  Read it if you haven't already: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/04/celebrate-nurturing?lang=eng

     “Every girl and woman who makes and keeps sacred covenants can have a mother heart.  There is not limit to what a woman with a mother heart can accomplish.  Righteous women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so, and their influence will spread and grow exponentially throughout the eternities.”

Sister Julie B. Beck, Ensign, May 2004