So I'm plugging along in Personal Progress and this week's value is Divine Nature. What a cool topic. Tonight I came across this inspiring talk by Sheri Dew, "Are We Not All Mothers?" from Oct 2001 Conference -- I recommend it. The following is an excerpt:
As mothers in Israel, we are the Lord’s secret weapon.
Our influence comes from a divine endowment that has been in place from the beginning. In the premortal world, when our Father described our role, I wonder if we didn’t stand in wide-eyed wonder that He would bless us with a sacred trust so central to His plan and that He would endow us with gifts so vital to the loving and leading of His children. I wonder if we shouted for joy at least in part because of the ennobling stature He gave us in His kingdom.
The world won’t tell you that, but the Spirit will.
She discusses the doctrine of Motherhood, and how we all (females) were endowed with the privilege of motherhood before we were born, and before we ever bear children of our own.
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.
So even though we are all currently mothers of small children, what is it about our essence and character that encompasses the endowment of motherhood?
She mentions some of the characteristics: heroic faith, a keen sensitivity to the Spirit, an abhorrence of evil, and complete selflessness. I would include compassion. What do you guys think?
Just food for thought.
I love that talk. That quote is so very humbling. It's interesting that the definition of "mother" is so much more than the responsibilities involved with it. It really is WHO WE ARE as women. I see it in little Shelbs already--and the little selfless attributes that she's displaying, wanting to serve those around her and make them happy.
ReplyDeleteAs women, we're all different. Sure. But the essence of motherhood is what seems to tie us, don't you think? Being happiest when those we love are happy.
And heart strings! Ours get tugged much easier than men, right? Somebody feels something, we feel it. We sense it. It affects us. Am I sounding crazy? Where am I going with this, I don't know.
I'm just glad I found the blog again. Emily reminded me taht I can use a laptop while I'm out of a computer! Duh! Love you, friends.
I think the blood of life is love. It is what brings nourishment to the soul and life to the lifeless. We as women/mothers are the hearts. We are the pumpers of love into the world. That includes anyone and everyone in our sphere of influence. That's why it's such a blessing to have lots of women in our lives. We have extra hearts/mothers pumping blood/love into our lives. We are the hearts of our home, we are the hearts of our family. If we can be poisoned or deceived into thinking our role is unimportant then everything around us dies spiritually. We are vital to the plan. He trusts us with so much. But at the same time it's not a burden, it's a gift because it brings so much joy to our own lives to be the bringers of love to others. And as mothers of young children we need to remember that diapers and bottles and breast feeding and abc's and tutus and cleaning... that's all love. I love you ladies and I love feeling your strength through this blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies - I really like your comments - heartstrings and pumpers of love. I am most happy when I can feel love pumping through me!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at all my sisters eloquent wisdom. I feel like a two year old sometimes, typing a lame comment after the wisdom that comes from all of you!
ReplyDeleteI would have to add that women are steadfast as well. We tend to be more rooted to the rock of our Savior, and more resistant to leave that rock. We may take a couple steps in any direction, but we don't stray too far from what we know to be true. We have strength in our convictions, and we trust in our convictions.
Divine Nature is such an amazing subject to me, and it is one that I have realized I need to discover more in myself. Too often I doubt my abilities as a woman and as a mother, which is in a sense doubting what the Lord has endowed me with. Thank you so much for this post, Lizzy!