Motherhood has never required more vigilance
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The Book of Mormon tells of 2,000 valiant, young men who lived God's commandments, paying tribute to their mothers who "knew it" (Alma 46:48). "The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance," said Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck. "More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know."
Mothers "who know" desire to bear children, Sister Beck said. "Whereas in many cultures of the world children are becoming less valued, in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children."
Mothers "who know" honor sacred ordinances and covenants. Sister Beck spoke of witnessing mothers from "some of the poorest places on earth" who dressed their children in Sunday best for Sabbath sacrament services where covenants were renewed. "These mothers have made and honor temple covenants. They know if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals."
Mothers "who know" are nurturers creating a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. "Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home which creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a 'house of order' and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house (see Doctrine and Covenants 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love and work."
Mothers "who know" are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great, eternal organization and plan for missions, temple marriages and education. Mothers "who know" are teachers who use family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, meal times and other gatherings to teach.
Finally, mothers "who know" do less, said Sister Beck. "Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children."
