I had the incredible chance to spend time with my family over the break. I have been so blessed to have a supportive and loving family. As I see my sisters grow into their current or future roles as mothers and wives, I often ponder the significance my mother has had in my own life and the significance I want my future wife to play in our children’s lives. I think there are many that see the principle of a mother staying home to nurture the children as degrading and sexist. I have a much different view on it though. I truly believe that being a mother is the noblest thing a woman can become. I believe that one of the most powerful ways to change the world is to create a happy, peaceful home in which your family can learn, grow, and flourish without the constant influence of the world as a deterrent. I believe a mother in the home is a huge key to the success of this ideal. I understand very well, from personal experience within my own family, that everyone’s situations vary, and that it is not always possible to have the mom stay home, but as I have reflected on my mother’s selfless effort to always be home when we were there throughout my life, I have realized the profound influence it has had on me. I am deeply grateful for my mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends that choose to use all of the divine gifts and talents they have been given to be, and prepare to be righteous, loving mothers. It is truly a gift of altruism beyond compare: to give your life to bless another’s. Yours is the work of shaping the world to be a better place for all. My prayer is that you may receive the reverence and thanks that you deserve. My testimony is that whether in this life or the next, you will. Inspired by the heaven-sent angels who are my mother and four sisters, this poem is a tribute to all those who are, and prepare to be mothers.
A Story Called Mother
She was given a book, pages blank and new
To fill all up with things she’d do
Any story to write, any tale to tell
Oh, how she wanted to write it well
She started out, but what to say?
So many plots, thoughts in array
Others told her what she should write;
All she could do with her special light
They said to write and get some fame
Leave her mark, and make a name
Create a work the world will laud
So you may bow while they applaud
Still others said to seek a crown
And ever be “free” and never “tied down”
To prove that women can be like men
She could do it all with a stroke of her pen
But then the girl recalled a read
That in her heart had planted the seed
Of love and faith and virtue too
Of selflessness and courage true
That book had taught her how to live
And work and serve and how to give
“A book like that will I make mine”
She thought as she wrote her very first line
Instead of a best-seller she wrote a quiet psalm
Instead of CEO she claimed the sacred title—Mom
Instead of shiny trophies she got a hug and kiss
Instead of fleeting fame she made a home of heav’nly bliss
Sure, there were times when things got tough
Late nights of crying can be real rough
But she kept on writing, generations to bless
And performed her mission with righteousness
She did not receive worldly praise
Or “bring home the bacon” or earn a raise
But she did shape a precious soul
And in its life play a starring role
It sometimes seemed a vain pursuit
All her effort, far too minute
But then a voice came from above
He said, “I thank you for your love”
“No other work’s worthy of thee
This is the noblest thing to be
And so this call I entrust to you
For this is what I’d have you do”
Though untrained eyes may read her book
And denigrate with a puzzled look,
“So much talent was wasted here
On a book so plain and so austere!”
But those who knew the author best
Will praise the book and call it blessed
For their lives were products of her work
That priceless gift that many shirk
Our life is a book for us to write
And oh, what a sweet and wondrous sight
To see a story written for another
A treasured story entitled Mother
