A Mother's Influence is Infinite and Eternal 

There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood,” says Elder M.

Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

day Saints.  “While women live in homes under many different circumstances—married, single,

widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without—all are beloved of God, and He

has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.”

Elder Ballard affirms mothers’ divine role in cherishing and teaching their children.  “There is no

one perfect way to be a good mother,” he says.  “Each situation is unique. Each mother has

different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children.” Elder Ballard

acknowledges that some women are “able to be ‘full-time moms,’ [and that] some may divide

their lives into periods of home and family and work,” but that “what matters is that a mother

loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband,

prioritizes them above all else.”

Mother’s Day comes around each May and presents a timely opportunity to express gratitude to

one’s mother for her unconditional love and sacrifices on behalf of her children. Often, the

congregations in the Mormon Church honor mothers on Mother’s Day. This year, the Elders

Quorum and Aaronic Priesthood members of the Puchong Branch in the Kuala Lumpur District

prepared and served a wonderful, delicious meal to the women in their Branch after Church on

Mother’s Day. Then, they assembled the women and sang ‘You Raise Me Up,” a song made

popular by Josh Groban. The words told these lucky mothers that they helped their children and

husbands be “more than I can be.” As the lovely song was presented, the well-behaved Primary

children entered the room and gave each women a beautiful rose. Many mothers were very

touched by the outpouring of love and appreciation!

Among the blessings of each of our lives, mothers should hold a special place of honor, President

Thomas S. Monson says. “Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of

the shadow of death to give us birth, deserves our undying gratitude.” “Love your mother,”

Elder Ballard implores. “Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. … Learn from her strengths, her

courage, and her faithfulness.

A mother should set the example for her children to follow. She is the major influence on the

future lives of her children. She is primarily responsible for the nurture of her children,* from

attending to their physical needs, to ensuring their education both spiritually and academically.

With this divine responsibility comes attendant blessings from Heaven.

The work of nurturing has eternal significance. President Dieter F. Uchdorf, Second Counselor

in the First Presidency, says, “If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of

creation - not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and

nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you

for that day, in this life or the next.”  

Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says a mother’s influence is eternal and

infinite. “Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother’s love? What enduring

fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the

fertile soil of a child’s trusting mind and heart?”

Proverbs 31:10 states, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”

Elder Holland says, “May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are

magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a

responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you.”

Thank you, righteous mothers! We recognize your eternal impact and we love and appreciate

your untiring efforts!

*The Family: A Proclamation to the World, September 1995

Reference: “Today’s Family: The Eternal Role of Mothers” https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-

apostles/unto-all- the-world/the- eternal-role- of-mothers