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…
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 2nd and 4th
grade teacher. She believed in me and I
felt her love.
Mr. Bodrero, who whipped our 6th
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."
“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
