"Are We Not All Mothers?" asked Sheri Dew a prominent, successful allbiet unmarried and childless LDS persona. In her talk she reminds us that all the women in our lives are Mother's whether or not they have the opportunity to bear children. In sharing just a few thoughts from her talk I hope to honor all the women in my life who have acted as mothers to me...my Mother, my sisters, aunts, grandmothers, female friends and my dear wife.
Sister Dew stated: "While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve “the mother of all living”
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—and they did so before she ever bore a child."
"Motherhood is more than bearing
children, though it is certainly 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."
Elder Ballard added: "All women have within their divine nature both the inherent
talent and the stewardship to mother...grandmothers, aunts, sisters, stepmothers, mothers-in-law,
leaders, and other mentors who sometimes fill the gaps."
Though much could be said about what a Mother is and does I with simply say that I am honored to have so many amazing Mother's in my life.
To my mother: Mom, thank you so much for tirelessly devoting yourself to me, my dear companion, and the many children and grandchildren (and those of others) who are yours to care for. It would be easy now that most of us are adults, living somewhat independently, to let those ties slip away, to lessen your involvement, or to shirk the duties of motherhood. But you have not. You have been ever faithful, always loving, and continuously interested in us and our well being. You continue to nurture us in so many ways. It was a great joy having you with us in our home. I treasure your company, your good nature, and your wise counsel. Thank you for having the courage to raise us with expectations, consequences, and gospel teachings when the world portrays parents as hands off, incompetent, etc. Thank you for being a parent and not just a house mate or someone who needs as much support as I do at times. You have always been what a Mother should be. When I interviewed at Telos they asked me what I thought it means to "Think like a Mom." My response..."well let me tell you...." I can't remember all that I said but that is the only question I remember being asked and am certain because of you it is the only answer that mattered. Thank you. I love you. Happy Mothers Day.
To the mother of my future children: I couldn't have picked a better, more competent, faithful, and loving women had I scoured the whole globe. Everyday I am with you I feel more close to you, more confident in you, and more content with my life. Despite all of the uncertainty of the future there are two constants in my life: The Gospel of Jesus Christ and YOU! I don't care where we end up so long as I am with you. You are a fantastic mother: teacher, lover, friend, support, one who holds me to a high standard, listener, creator, and so much more. I don't know what the future will bring regarding our own children but I do know I am excited to figure it out with you and only you. I love you with all my heart. Happy Mother's Day.
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