Mother’s Day can evoke a wide range of emotions—everything from deep gratitude for our mothers to worry that you haven’t done enough as a mother to the longing for the privilege of giving birth in this life. Regardless of your situation, I invite every woman to consider the remarkable relationship that the Lord Jesus Christ had with His mother, Mary.
Repeatedly the Savior gave her special care and attention. Consider just three examples from His life and teachings.
The first miracle Jesus Christ performed during His mortal ministry began with a request from His mother during a family gathering. His eager response signaled his love and respect: “What wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do…” (See John 2:4, JST.)
The second example came at the most poignant time in the Savior’s mortal life. As he suffered unspeakable pain on the cross, Jesus focused His compassion on the well-being of His mother. Looking down to His Apostle John, standing next to Mary, He said, “Behold thy mother.” His meaning was clear: John was to care for Mary.
Finally, consider the way the Savior compared His concern for His wayward brothers and sisters to that of a mother. “How oft would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings.” When a mother pleads with the Lord on behalf of a struggling child, she does so knowing that the Savior understands perfectly what she is feeling.
I am deeply grateful for the remarkable women in my life who have enriched and mothered me, my family, and countless others in life-changing ways. Every woman has within her the essence of motherhood. Every woman is in a position to help build and change lives. May you each know that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son know you, see you, and love you. Happy Mother’s Day!
The visual identifier for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a representation of Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved marble "Christus" statue—reflects the truth that Jesus Christ is at the center of His Church and should be at the center of our lives.
We truly celebrate the resurrected, living Christ, even in the use of the Church symbol. #GeneralConference #GreaterLove
Our Heavenly Father’s Plan provides powerful divine helps to guide us through our mortal journeys. These include the Light or Spirit of Christ; commandments, ordinances, and covenants; manifestations of the Spirit; and the gift of the Holy Ghost, among others.
However, by far God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repented sins.
That merciful and glorious Atonement explains why faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. His Atonement “bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead” (Alma 42:23) and it “atone[s] for the sins of the world” (Alma 34:8), erasing all of our repented sins and giving our Savior power to succor us in our mortal infirmities. #GeneralConference #GreaterLove
Dear brothers and sisters, when challenges in life knock our self-confidence, please remember that disciples of Jesus Christ have access to a different kind of confidence. When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit.