To All My Mothers

"One cannot forget mother and remember God.  One cannot remember mother and forget God.  Why?  Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one."

President Thomas S. Monson

As of yesterday, I have officially been on this mission journey for one year and one day.  It's a little unreal to think that it has been over a year since I've given my mother a hug or talked to her face to face.  She has always been my biggest fan, my rock, the believer of all my biggest dreams.  She listened to my crazy talk and nurtured anything and everything that is good about me.  In the past 366 days I have learned more about the importance of womanhood as I've felt my mother's love, prayers, and support from so far away.  

I've also learned more about God's goodness as He's blessed me with other mothers to give me the hugs and wipe away the tears my mom would have if she could.  Every woman who has befriended me and encouraged me has become one of my mothers.  A lot of them have been related to me, some have been younger than me, all of them have taught me about faith and discipleship.  They have shown me how to courageously follow Jesus Christ despite adversity, discouragement, and disappointment. 

I'm reminded of the story from the Book of Mormon of the young warriors that fought with Helaman.  They were young and had never fought, but they were fearless because they knew that God would protect them in their cause for freedom and to save their families.  In Alma 56: 48, they give the reason for their steadfastness in Christ, "We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

Today, I echo their words.  Because of the righteous influence of the wonderful woman who raised me along with the efforts of all the disciple women who have reached out to me throughout my life, I do not doubt God's plan, my mothers know it.  I pray that my Heavenly Father will always provide such earthly mothers to guide me in my journey back to Him.

Who are the women who have been important to you in your life?  What will you do to show your appreciation for them this Mother's Day?

motherhood.mormon.org