Quote

I read this book of quotes a while back and as I was reading I thought "a lot of my friends need to be reminded of this" as encouragement not as criticism of course. The book is One Bright and Shining Hope Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley. I thought since I have a blog and most of my good friends read maybe it will remind them how special they are to Heavenly Father. Sometimes life seems overwhelming and we, as women, feel like we are sinking in stead of swimming merrily along. Here is the opening quote on page 1:

It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. They must begin in their homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities. They must be the teachers and guardians of their daughters. When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright and shining hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction.

Although this is geared towards mothers, I know a few remarkable and outstanding women who work with the youth in our church. They are amazing and you can tell how much they care for these girls and want them to gain a strong and immovable testimony of the gospel. So I think this applies to all women. Even women of sons. As women we get to wear different hats. Some get to be full time mothers, others need to work outside the home, we all get to be teachers whether it is at home, church or as a career. What opportunities we have to teach by example! I know that I have a small group of friends who I talk to regularly and we get to inspire each other. I don't know that I spend too much time talking and inspiring those outside my comfortable little circle. Another thing to add to my ever growing list of things to do...consistently.

Back to the point, I am so lucky to be blessed with 4 wonderful daughters. The part that touched me the most in this quote was the end when he says "When you save a girl, you save generations." Wow is that pressure. I know at times being "just" a stay-at-home mom it is difficult to feel that you are doing your part. According to President Hinckley our part is to nurture and raise our children, in this particular quote our daughters. Someday it will be their job to "save" ot teach the next generation. They will be the teachers in their homes while, hopefully, their husbands work and support their family. Will I have done a good enough job? Will I have been strong enough and immovable that my daughters will be the same way?

As women we are so important in Heavenly Father's plan, we can't belittle our divine destiny just because we are women. Jane Clayson Johnson has a book that is called "I AM a Mother!" It is a statement not a description. This woman gave up a successful career because she was strong and immovable and knew what she needed to do. The world called her crazy, but she did it. She has no regrets. What a wonderful role model.

So I am off to save generations by being "one bright and shining hope" one daughter at a time...