"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 questions 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 it lately?
Mothers are not just light but also the heart of the home, who put and hold families together. Whether you are married, a single mother, or haven't had kids yet, the challenges are so real, also the need for strong, guiding mothers is HUGE. Yeah, of course, we're talking about a world of shifting values where it feels like the opposition is winning. And we'd seen some of the challenges facing our young people today.
President Hinckley's talks were about how those young people stumble, make bad decisions, and might end up in places they don't intend to be. It is so heartbreaking to see that it is the mothers, as always, who carry the burden and sorrow, but at the same time, it is a call to action. Is there a time you felt that weight of responsibility for a child's choices? No matter what that is, it's not too late to help guide our children; we should teach them with love, to show them the path to righteousness or a good life.
What is more precious than your Children? Start thinking about it for a moment. When you become older and look back on your life, what were those things that matter most? The money you had made? The car you drove, if you have one, or whatever that came into your life. Probably not. It's how your kids turned out. That's the legacy that truly lasts. And here's a question to ponder: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave that helps them understand how valuable you are, not just a human but as a mother?
Now, how are we gonna do it? How are we gonna raise amazing children in this crazy world? President Hinckley suggests a few things, and they all should start early and continue throughout their lives. What are some of the most important values you want to plant in your children's hearts? One of them is to teach them to choose good friends – those friends who lift them up, and not drag them down in times they're alone or need some help. Think of that story of "the boy and the rattlesnake" as President Hinckley told it – that sometimes, kindness can backfire if you are not careful who you are with. Now ask that of yourself, have you ever taught your child how to choose 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 child or children about respecting their bodies, as the scriptures say, as temples?
Also, please, protect them from drugs. It is just a path to destruction, and devastating to see young men or women fall victim to addiction that destroys their lives. Teach honesty, virtue, and the power of prayer. We all need guidance, and prayer is the most powerful tool we have. And this is important. What role does prayer play in your family? Do they understand that?
This was not about being perfect at all; it was all about trying your very best as a mother. It was about making your family your top priority, even when life gets tough or you have a lot of challenges. We should remember that there is always hope. There is prayer, and there is God who helps's to get through even the toughest times of our lives. So, mothers, have hope and don't ever give up. Your influence is powerful, your love is essential, and your legacy is eternal. Every individual mother could do it. So, what are you gonna to do to strengthen your family relationship with your Children?
Now ponder it. This was intended to be a speech-type article that might help me establish a talk. If you think it's helpful you may grab it for yourself. Thank you for coming, and hope to see you in my next article.
- Jerry N. Bustillo
