Friday, September 10, 2010

I am a Mother Who Knows

Still sick but plugging away for the sake of Boba Fett's Birthday. I found this post in my archives from 2008 and thought I would re-post as it feels appropriate. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. I love being a mother, I wouldn't want to be anything if I wasn't a mother as well. It is what I am here to do, if I fail as a mother I fail my purpose.

This is a sampler that I made for our service auction a few weeks ago. I was flattered that there was a small bidding war over it and my decorating-ly gifted friend liked it enough to win it without knowing it was mine.
When I first heard Sister Beck's Conference address Mothers Who Know I just loved it. It was one of those talks that say "You are on the right track. Here are some other things to think about. I know you can do it because you are a woman of God and the mother of these special charges."
My neighbor called and asked if I had heard it and we talked about how much we loved it. To us (the homeschool converted) it was another in a long line of talks that confirmed our decision to homeschool. It went right along with our homeschool philosophy particularly Sister Beck's "Mothers who know do less." And TJED's "The Six Month No."

Several months later I was in Relief Society where this talk was the lesson matter when my friend whispered" I liked this talk a lot, but I know people who have a big problem with it."
I was stunned and a little disbelieving. I chalked it up to my friend having weird acquaintances and the truth hurting when you don't like to hear it. Then the lesson began and the teacher mentioned that a lot of people have had a hard time with this talk. I was amazed.
I still don't have an answer other than people don't like to be told when they aren't doing what is right. I am still baffled none the less.

The bullet points of Sister Beck's Talk.
  • Mothers Who Know Bear Children.
  • Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants
  • Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers
  • Mothers Who Know Are Leaders
  • Mothers Who Know Are Teachers
  • Mothers Who Know Do Less
  • Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable

"Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. I have every confidence that our women will do this and will come to be known as mothers who 'knew.'"

I just want to say, "I am a mother who knows."


P.S. Might I suggest that you write "I am a Mother Who Knows." on a paper, or paint it on a board or stitch in on a scrap of fabric and hang it in your home? Perhaps in a particularly trying spot to reminding you why you do this and who you are doing it for. Mine, of course will be above the sink full of dishes.

5 comments:

Erica said...

I'm really glad I found your blog. :D You're full of inspiration.

Heather said...

I used to work with Julie Beck's sister-in-law and she said that she got threatening letters over that talk. It's really too bad because the things that she said were just things that our prophets have been saying for decades. I think some people felt some guilt/anger because they felt that because they work, they were not "mothers who know". But I don't think that is the case, our prophets have counseled us to work hard, live within our means, and stay out of debt. Even the proclamation says "circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation". (I actually chose this for the VT message for Nov 2008 and happened to visit a sister who happened to have hostile feelings about this talk. Ooops!) I work, and I LOVE that talk. I don't think that the Lord is displeased with my efforts as a mother. (Not that I don't have tons of room for improvement, because I totally do.) But I know that He understands why I do what I do and He inspired Sis. Beck to say these things to give us all encouragement. Thanks for the reminder.

Lindsey said...

I was shocked, too, when I heard that there were lots of people who didn't just not like that talk, but hated it with a passion. There was actually a symposium in SLC about how wrong it was! Did they hear the same talk I did?!? Do they believe in the same gospel I do?? Makes me sad for what they're denying themselves and their families. I love your idea of putting "I am a mother who knows" somewhere we need to see it. That will go on my projects list now!
Thank you!!!

Jocelyn Christensen said...

I was shocked that my own sister HATED this talk!!! Very different reactions from each individual listening. Personally...I LOVED that talk, just as you did. It was an inspiration to me as a Mother. I will never forget it or Sister Beck for delivering it! I will also always respect her for taking heat with grace! I'm going to take your advice and write this on a wall in my kitchen!

Montserrat said...

Can I just tell you how much I adore Sister Beck? She is not afraid to tell it like it is. These are times when words should not be minced or lightened in any way.

I love the embroidery idea! I will be doing these for my SILs for Christmas. Thanks!