Thanking Mothers

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

12 May 2006 06:26 AM

With Mother's Day fast approaching it is appropriate to spend some time dwelling on the important influence that mothers have in their children's lives. Motherhood is a blessing, yet it is also a sacred responsibility. Mothers are given the charge of their families and teaching their children the gospel.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his talk "Because She Is a Mother," said:

"In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island-sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly for the capacity to raise these children to be what God wants them to be. Moved by that kind of devotion and determination, may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, 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. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do."

Everyone has a mother. I know that my mother has made great sacrifices for her children. She has fasted numerous times when one of her children is facing a problem. She has worked nights for nearly twenty years so that she can be at home when her children need her during the day. She has cared for each member of the family to the best of her ability. This summer my three sisters are all going to move out leaving her with just my youngest brother and my father. I do not know what she will do with all of her free time. She truly deserves to relax some.

It is important that we take the time this week to honor the mothers and other women in our lives. My great aunt had a very powerful impact on my life, and I made sure to send her a card every year until she passed away. Both of my grandmothers have also influenced me in great and marvelous ways. I am named after one of them, and I am very conscious of trying to live up to her example. How has a mother or a grandmother or some other woman blessed your life?

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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Lisa P (24013) 13 May 2006 03:30 PM

My mother-in-law has blessed my life immensely. Until her, I'd never known a good example of a Christian woman. I love her dearly. I thank God every day for my husband and the wonderful family I married into. I hope I can raise my son as well as she raised hers.

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 13 May 2006 05:30 PM

I also have a mother-in-law who is a great example to me. I am grateful for the many examples I have been blessed with in my life. I have friends who had other women step in and be the examples in their lives, when their own mothers had passed away or made poor choices. In a way I think we need to honor all the women in our lives who have helped us.

whitlarson (71) 14 May 2006 07:18 PM

My Mother is an amazing example of righteous living and especially of being a student of the gospel. Also, she could give Martha Stewart a run for her money! She loves her children with all of her heart. She was only 17 (and my father 18) when she gave birth to me and by the time she was 24 she had given birth to five children and lost one to SIDS. I am so thankful for her!! What an amazing woman!!

Opa (129) 19 May 2006 02:10 PM

Good points, but I bet your Mother will keep right on serving her daughters even after they have moved out. I know that my Mom never quit serving me.