In a Conference talk given in April of 1997, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke about the importance of mothers. With Mother’s Day weekend approaching this month, I thought this a good time to review!
Elder Holland began his talk by speaking to women who wish to be mothers but are unable. He gently reminds them that the Lord does not withhold blessings, and urging them to nurture those who need nurturing as they wait on this divine calling. He also lets fathers know that he hasn’t forgotten them or their importance – but this talk is about mothers.
He then moves on to praise young mothers especially. He refers to the lean budgets of couples in their early years. But more than financial burdens, he states, “often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue.” He continues to say, “Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life.”
Elder Holland, with his great wisdom, notes that exceptional mothers are those who are often called into service in their wards and stakes. He cautions that everyone (and by everyone, I assume he means those doing the calling) ought to be wise and remember that families, particularly in the “formative years”, take priority. Of course, he doesn’t mean that young mothers shouldn’t be called; many go on to serve well. Just be wise.
He urges mothers to cherish our roles. I love the phrase he uses: “that role…for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones.” He encourages mothers, reminding us all that it is worth it. He then tells the story of a sometimes-overwhelmed mother who kept going by remembering that “I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work.” What a truly important thing to remember! She clung to this truth on those rough and difficult days (you know the ones). She considered the idea that the Lord gave those days because He wants us to call out to Him, to plead for His aid and assistance.
Elder Holland assures mothers that the Lord loves them, that the fact they have been given these little ones is proof of His trust in these mothers. He promises, “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.”
Of course, there are times when our children do not follow the paths that we would have them follow; Elder Holland acknowledges that. But he promises that “no one has failed who keeps trying and keeps praying.”
He then reminds us of the great and glorious mothers and grandmothers in the scriptures, women who sought God’s will and attained it. He states, “there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.” He urges mothers to come to the Lord and plead for His aid, and He will give it. The Lord will help mothers, and promises that those who seek to shall be magnified and made better.
I love listening to Elder Holland talk. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and whenever I read talks by him, I can clearly hear his voice and see his dry delivery of lines. He also evinces a sensitivity towards mothers everywhere as he encourages and uplifts them.
For any mother who might ever feel overwhelmed – at any point – I urge you to read this talk. In fact, I encourage you dads to read, as well, to get an idea of how your wives might feel. Elder Holland does a wonderful job of inspiring mothers, and I hope you come away from this talk feeling more assured of the divine nature of the calling of motherhood.
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