Always a mother

I recently pulled out a box of letters my mother had saved for me. They were letters I had written to her and my dad from my teenage years until my mid-thirties when email and phone calls became convenient and inexpensive.

I wrote my first letter to my parents when I was attending a high school music camp at a university 800 miles from home. In those days, we did not make long-distance phone calls because they were expensive. I was studying hard and facing a new level of expectations and competition as a violinist. I had to make decisions about my schedule–what did I really have time and energy for? In my letters and in my memory, I longed to be able to counsel with my wise mother and ask, “What should I do?” It showed how much I relied on my mother!

Later as a college student, I asked for my parents’ counsel and told them everything that was happening in my life. As the years went on and I grew more independent and mature, I thanked my parents often for the wonderful life they had given to me.

A few years ago, my mother handed me a small letter she had written to her mother. In it she expressed gratitude to her parents for all they had done for her. She said to me, “Does this sound familiar?” She, too, had written letters of gratitude to her parents.

The culture of society has changed a lot recently. My best friend from my teenage years says, “This is a different world from the one we grew up in.” If you are a mother today–of young children, or of grown children–chances are you have experienced some challenges related to your kids. You need to know you are not alone. Motherhood is not for sissies! And this current world is not an easy world to navigate–for anyone.

I think about Jesus’s mother, Mary, who faced many challenges as a mother. For starters, what was her wedding like? For the birth of her first child, she had only what help and comfort Joseph could provide. Somewhat of a vagabond, she fled to Egypt when her Son was young, then returned to settle in the small town of Nazareth. As Jesus hung on the cross, you will remember that he cared for his mother, asking John to care for her as his own mother.

I think about Elizabeth, who became a mother in her very old age. With gratitude, she kept God’s commandments, named her son “John,” and prepared him to be the prophet forerunner of Jesus Christ. Yet, her son’s life was not easy and did not end peacefully. I imagine her broken heart as she learned of his suffering and beheading in prison. Surely, she longed for his company after he had died.

I think about Hagar, the mother of Arab nations. Given as a second wife to Abraham, she gave Abraham his firstborn son; yet, she found herself outside of the covenant between God, Abraham and Sarah. But still, God made promises to Hagar. He promised her that from her son Ishmael would arise a great nation. When she had to leave Abraham, God’s angels provided nourishment and protection for her and her son in the wilderness. God loved Hagar. Her life was hard, but God was close.

Like Mary, we are chosen. Like Elizabeth, we are faithful. Like Hagar, we are blessed.

As mothers, whatever joys and hardships you face, know that God is with you. The opportunity to be a mother transcends every other earthly opportunity. Creating and nurturing life is the essence of Heaven’s great work on this earth, and you are a key part of it. No matter how old, successful, or independent your children become, and no matter how broken, hurt or needy your children may be, your children will need your help, love, and forgiveness. As my wise childhood friend observed, “You never stop being a mom.”

Just as prophets of old recognized and revered the role of motherhood, modern day prophets and apostles continue to reflect on your divine role and worth. “Wherever [mother] is can become a sanctified place, safe from the storms of life. Refuge is there because of her ability to nurture and to love unconditionally.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Woman–of Infinite Worth,” October 1989).

God will strengthen you. “Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been” (Jeffrey R. Holland, May 1997).

Your prayers change things. “There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother,” (Boyd K. Packer).

Dear mothers, may you continue to be a force for good in the lives of your families. May Heaven be close and may your prayers be answered. May you know that God loves you and that by choosing to be a mother, you have chosen to become more like Him.

Beth Wright loves her mother and loves being a mother. She believes in Jesus Christ and is thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.