A Mother's Heart

First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

With the heart of a mother, every woman, young or old, prepares for her divine and eternal maternal mission.

I often hear my dad describe my mother as a woman with a "mother's heart," and it's true. Hundreds, perhaps thousands more, felt the influence of her motherhood, and she specialized in the role of caretaker. His testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and a strong sense of self and purpose guided his life.

She was a little older when she got married, but as a young girl she did everything to grow. Although it was unusual at the time, he finished college and got a job. After the wedding, the children arrived in succession; and in a short time, his family grew. Everything he learned, all his abilities and talents, all his skills, passed on to his eternal family. As a child of God who kept the covenants, he lived a full life ready to be a mother.

What is a mother's heart and how does it develop? We find out about this characteristic in the scriptures. Thus says in Proverbs: “A… woman [with a mother's heart] can find? for its value is above rubies. He works his hands willingly…. In ... his hands he planteth a vineyard. He lends his hand to the poor. Strength and majesty are her clothing. She opens her mouth with wisdom. and the law of kindness is on her tongue. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness ”(Proverbs 31:10, 13, 16, 20, 25–27). A woman with a mother's heart has a testimony of the restored gospel, and she teaches the gospel principle with certainty. He keeps sacred covenants in holy temples. He wholeheartedly shares his talents and skills. She studies as much as she can, refining her mind and spirit in a bid to teach what she has learned to future generations.

If he has children, he is a “goodly parent” (1 Nephi 1: 1) who lives and teaches the standards of conduct that are in line with the teachings of living prophets. He teaches his children “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord” (D&C 68:28). Instead of listening to the voice and lies of the world mixed with truth, he knew that gospel standards were based on eternal, unchanging truths. He believes that having “real responsibility in caring for his children” is important, honorable, and a “sacred responsibility” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, 24). . Caring for and feeding them physically is just as rewarding as nurturing and nourishing them spiritually. He was not “weary in doing good” and happy in the service of his family, knowing that “small things proceed from that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

Ah, may every woman, young and old, have a testimony of her potential in eternal motherhood if she keeps her earthly covenants. “Each one is a beloved spirit child… of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has… a divine destiny” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). As spirit children of God, women “received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to rise” (D&C 138: 56) on earth. They are among the "nobles and great ones" (D&C 138: 55) who "shout for joy" (Job 38: 7) in the creation of the world because they will be given a mortal body and have the opportunity to "prove" (Abraham 3 : 25) in this life. They want to work with good men to accomplish eternal goals that no one can fulfill alone.

It is not in the world that the role of woman begins and it does not end there. Woman who values ​​motherhood in the world values ​​motherhood in the afterlife, “for where [her] wealth is, there [her] heart will be” (Matthew 6:21). With the heart of a mother, every woman, young or old, prepares for her divine and eternal maternal mission. “Whatever principle of intelligence [he] attaineth in this life, it shall be with [him] that shall rise in the resurrection. And if a person gains a lot of knowledge and intelligence in this life through his effort and obedience

I was in the park recently and I met a group of women with a mother's heart. They are still young and keep covenants. They are intelligent and specialized in respected universities. They used a lot of talent in planning dinner that night and teaching how to clean the house. They taught two-year-olds to be kind to one another. They comfort children, give relief when they are hurt, and wipe away tears. I asked one of the moms how she used her talents so well in motherhood. He replied, "I know who I am, and what I should do. It's just another fruit. " That young mother can build faith and character in the next generation in a family prayer, scripture study, reading the book, singing, family dinner. He was involved in the great work. She knows that “children are an heritage of the Lord” and that “it is good for [a woman] to fill [an] cup with her bow” (Psalm 127: 3, 5). He knows that the influence of daily righteousness, honesty, and persevering in caring for children is lasting, more effective, and more influential than any position or institution in the world that man has created. She believed that, if she could, she could be blessed as Rebekah had become “the mother of tenants” (Genesis 24:60).

Women with a mother's heart know and keep covenants that come sooner or later; whether or not they will have “many” children in this life; whether they are single, married, or single bearers of the responsibility of parenthood — in holy temples they are “[endowed] with power from on high” (D&C 38:32) and by gift that they received the promise of grace and were encouraged, and received it (Hebrews 11:13).

Every woman, young or old, who makes and keeps sacred covenants can have a mother's heart. There is no limit to what a woman with a mother's heart can do. The good women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so, and their influence will continue to increase and grow forever. I am grateful to the Lord for entrusting to women the divine mission of motherhood. Like Mother Eve, I was “convinced” (Moses 5:11) to know these things. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.