Sister Julie B. Beck (former Relief Society General President) said it this way, "The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children."
In an ever darkening world, it has become necessary not only to fight for what we believe to be right, but to fight to keep the very fabric of our families from ripping apart at the seams. Satan would have us all believe that what we do as Mommas is not enough, and that in the end, he will win. What do we have to say to this? We say, No! You will not win! You do not have a say in this household. I am Momma! Hear me Roar!!!
"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."
You may be fighting to keep your family together, have a relationship with a withdrawn teenager, or simply to have your children get along for more than two minutes at a time, but no matter the reason, remember this: You are a Momma. Every word you say, and every work you do, no matter how small, is noticed! You are the one keeping your family strong in the faith, and standing up against the evil influences that would tear you and your family apart. You are a guardian of virtue.
Sister Julie B. Beck says, "Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women of the Church to “stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.” He has asked us to “begin in [our] own homes” to teach children the ways of truth. Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. I have every confidence that our women will do this and will come to be known as mothers who “knew” (Alma 56:48)..."
To all my Momma friends, members of my church or not, you are an inspiration. Your endless strength, your enduring courage, your never ending patience, constant sacrifice and kindness unending inspire me to be a better mother and continue to fight for my own small family. You are lights among darkness. Pillars of strength. Fighters to the bitter end for those you call your own. Thank you for your inspiration.
(Excerpts were taken from the the April 2007 General Conference talk given by Sister Julie B. Beck entitled, "Mothers Who Know").
