"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." - Proverbs 31:25-28
Okay, now Let's talk about motherhood – specifically, the incredible, often overlooked, power they have. While reading this article try to check out some question that might get your interest, so let's dive in -
President Gordon B. Hinckley's talk, "
Your Greatest Challenge, Mother" really makes you think about this. He wasn't just talking about the everyday stuff, though those things are important, right mothers? He was talking about the real influence mothers have, especially in a world that's constantly pulling our kids in a million different directions. Have you felt that pull lately?
Mothers are the heart of the home, the glue that holds families together. Whether you're married, single, or haven't had kids yet – the challenges are real, and the need for strong, guiding mothers is HUGE. We're talking about a world where values are shifting, and it feels like the "bad guys" are winning sometimes.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing young people today?Hinckley talks about how many young people stumble, making bad choices, and ending up in places they never intended to be. And it's the mothers who often carry the weight of that sorrow. It's heartbreaking, isn't it? But it's also a call to action.
Is there a time you felt that weight of responsibility for a child's choices? It's not always too late to help guide our kids, to teach them with love, to show them the path to a good life.
What's more precious than your kids? Seriously, think about it for a moment. When you're older, looking back on your life, what will matter most? The money you made? The car you drove? or whatever that came in to your life. Probably not. It's how your kids turned out. That's the legacy that truly lasts. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?
So, how do we do it? How do we raise amazing kids in a crazy world? Hinckley suggests a few things, and it all starts early and continues throughout their lives. What are some of the most important values you want to instill in your children? Teach them to choose good friends – friends who lift them up, not drag them down. Think of the story of the boy and the rattlesnake – sometimes, kindness can backfire if you're not careful who you're being kind to. Have you ever had to teach your child about choosing their friends wisely?
Value education. It's not just about getting good grades; it's about opening their minds to the world and all its possibilities. Respect their bodies. The whole tattoo and piercing thing? It's a trend that often leads to regret. Remember, our bodies are temples – sacred and deserving of respect (
1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
How do you teach your children about respecting their bodies?And please, protect them from drugs. It's a path to destruction, and it's devastating to see young people fall victim to addiction. Teach honesty, virtue, and the power of prayer. We all need guidance, and prayer is the most powerful tool we have.
What role does prayer play in your family?It's not about being perfect; it's about trying your best. It's about making your family your top priority, even when life gets crazy. And remember, there's always hope. There's prayer, and there's God's help to get through even the toughest times. So, mothers, don't give up. Your influence is powerful, your love is essential, and your legacy is eternal. Every individual mothers could do it.
So, What are you going to do today to strengthen your family?
Now ponder about it. Thank you for coming and hope to see you on my next article.
- Jerry N. Bustillo