Genesis 45:4-8
1 Samuel 1:1-2:10
Ezekiel 19:1-2
1 John 4:7-9

“There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood.”                 
—Elder M. Russell Ballard

I am a mother of three. God created me with purpose, for this purpose. His example is my guide in motherhood: He loves me with a steadfast, unconditional love which enables me to love as I mother. God designed me for “such a time as this”! (Esther 4:14)

I am her. She is me! 

The pit-pat of little feet running eagerly behind her. . .
The little hands trying desperately to help bake cookies, not minding the time it takes. . .
The wonder in those littles’ eyes as they listen intently to their favorite bedtime story. . .

Does she recognize the precious gift in each seemingly mundane moment?

Does she realize those moments are making memories? Does she understand how time is fleeting? Does she know God made her a mother for this exact time, in this exact place? Does she know God not only gave her these children, but He also gave these children her? Does she realize how her role impacts her children?

She is a mother! 

From the beginning of creation, from Eve to Rachel, Hannah to Mary, we see the instrumental hand of God within the portrait of a mother. Whether a woman fills this role through biological or adoptive children, or through teaching, mentoring, or an extended familial relationship, she nurtures, teaches, and guides her children as they grow to see their God-given potential in His creative plan for their lives. 

She nurtures.
With God as her example, she provides unconditional love as she nurtures her babies. She cares for and tends to each need from babyhood to adulthood. (1 John 4:7)

She teaches.
Like a mother eagle teaching her eaglets to fly and eventually leave the nest, so does a mother teach and train her own children to be independent. (Proverbs 22:6)

She guides.
As a lioness to her cubs, she provides for her children’s needs and protects them from harm. (Ezekiel 19:1-2; Revelation 5:5) She holds their hands and guides them as they grow. 

She protects.
She is a mother hen to her brood, keeping each one close under her wing, just like God protects His own. (Psalm 36:7; Psalm 27:5)

But, Rachel, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day be sold as a slave by his brothers?Rachel, did you know that your baby boy
Would be accused and thrown in prison?
Did you know your baby boy 
Has come to save your people?
This dreamer child you are holding
Is God’s plan to be fulfilled?

And, Hannah, did you know your baby boy
Would one day grow up in the temple?
Hannah, did you know your baby boy
Would hear God’s voice while sleeping?
Did you know your baby boy
Has come to judge your people?
This child, “the prayer you offered,”
Would anoint Israel’s kings?
(Written by Brenda Earley)

Mary, did you know? (Take a break and listen)

The thought of being a momma was terrifying as my own “mother” journey began. How do I care for this little 7 pound, 12 ounce baby boy? Will I be able to give him all he needs? Am I the right one for this important job? 

Sweet mommas, those thoughts materialized again the next two times I brought home my babies. Of course, I thought it happened because these tiny littles were girls. No, it was a battle in my mind. One part said, “You will not be able to be everything your child needs. Your life is already in shambles!” Another part replied, “God gave you this little. As you focus on Him, He will guide you.”

God created mothers. He tends to her care, guiding her in everyday tasks, supplying necessary nutrients to flourish, and as she prays and listens to Him, she is sustained to tend to her children. She shows her love as God shows love to her. (1 John 4:7) She mimics His care as He tends to her. 

A mother tends her children much as she would a garden. She waters it. She nourishes it. She thinks of ways to preserve it. When it flourishes and grows strong, she transplants to its own pot. There it becomes an individual plant, ready to grow on its own. 

Mommas, do you even realize the impact you have on your child? They are world-changers! Mothers have an important role to train and guide their littles to make a difference. You make a difference in their lives, so they can make a difference in others! 

Whether you birthed a baby from your womb or your heart, remember you’re still a “She” whom the Lord has specifically equipped to love, nurture, teach, and guide others in the “training and instruction of the Lord.” (Titus 2:3-4, Ephesians 6:4 )

“Being a mama can be tough, but always remember, in the eyes of your child, no one does it better than you.” (Author Unknown) 

While the ways in which we mother change as years pass, the significant role of mother remains in the forefront in every season.