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| LDS mothers teach gospel principles in variety of ways |
by Johanne Martial
MAR02001@BYUI.EDU
Scroll Staff |
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We all realize that being a mother in Zion is both a privilege and a blessing because not all women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the opportunity to become a mother or a wife on this earth. According to the Church News from Nov. 6, 1983, data shows that in the Church, of those over 18, 97 percent marry.
Church leaders have emphasized the role of parenthood since the early1900s.
“The Lord has told us that it is the duty of every husband and wife to obey the command given to Adam and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth. ... No parent can escape that obligation and that responsibility; the Lord will hold us to a strict accountability,” according to the First Presidency Message from October 1942.
The most important role of parenthood is to rear children in righteousness before the Lord. Motherhood is the greatest potential influence of either good or ill in human life, President David O. McKay said in his book Gospel Ideas.
How can mothers fulfill that big of a challenge? It is vital for parents, especially mothers, to teach their children the importance of keeping the commandments of God.
“One thing that my husband and I found useful and enjoyable is to read good books together with our children. We recently read Standing for Something by President Gordon B. Hinckley and are now reading his book Way to Be. When we travel, we like to listen to Church-related tapes like Truman Madsen’s Series on the Savior and John Bytheway CD’s like The Five Scriptures That Can Get You Through Almost Anything,” Christine Geddes, a teacher in the Foreign Language Department, said.
Along the way, these children will grow up, leave their homes and be on their own during adult life. They will be making decisions on their own free will.
BYU-Idaho students remember different ways their mothers have taught them the gospel.
“Those things that I have learned about the gospel I have learned from the example that my mom has set for me while growing up. My mother always takes the opportunity to teach us the gospel principles in our daily activities and interactions with others. I was also blessed to have a family that came together every Monday night for Family Home Evening in which we learned more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shared our testimonies with one another,” Autumn Beattie, a sophomore from Idaho Falls, said.
For some students, it is the example that their mothers set for them in their early stage of life that taught them how to live a righteous life now. For others, it is by going to the church meetings with them, or simply encouraging them to be their best.
“My mom encouraged me to attend all of the church meetings, and to do my best to carry out all of my church callings. My mother taught everything I know now, and prepared me for every situation I might face. She is definitely responsible for the person I am today,” Jill Jacobson, a junior from Idaho Falls, said.
The same teachings are not only effective for the daughters, sons have also benefitted from their mothers’ teachings.
“A Snarr tradition to visit a different temple each month was memorable. It brought us closer together and tied in the significance of the temple along with families in the gospel,” Spencer L. Snarr, a sophomore from Salt Lake City, said.
A mother’s example alone should never be forgotten.
“As all youngsters are at times, I was a little rebellious and liked to raise some havoc, but my mom was and is as steady as a rock. She teaches me how to live the gospel though her outstanding example,” Tim Toy, a junior from Shelley, Idaho, said.
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