love and gratitude for my mom

from http://rationalfaiths.com/war/

I'm sure you're all familiar with the story of Helaman's 2000 stripling warriors. 2000 incredible guys between the ages of about 13 and 27, going off to war and fighting for the first time in their lives to defend their families and their freedom. I can't imagine how daunting that must been for them, especially having never fought before. Their parents wouldn't fight because of a promise they had made to God, and they were strongly encouraged to keep it. I imagine a few of the boys getting together and thinking, "well, what can we do to keep our families safe?" And then as they talked to more of the boys about it, they decided to all go to war to protect their rights and their family. I don't know if that's what really happened, but I imagine that it went something like that.

And, of course, that brings us to their mothers, which is what I really want to talk about. In verses 47 and 48 of Alma 56, it says "they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." My professor asked us each to consider what those mothers were doing while their sons were off fighting, and he said that he believed they were praying their hearts out for the safety of their sons. What strength these women must have had, what courage, to send their young sons to war. What faith they must have had, what knowledge. The influence they had on their sons must have been profound, because they told Helaman that it was their mothers who made the difference, their mothers who gave them strength and taught them the gospel.

I know that mothers have an extremely deep influence on their children. I know that mothers greatly care for and love their children. As we discussed these women in class, I thought about my own mom. I can joke about her running my head into a pole when I was little, or the time she accidentally told me "at least you're good at something," or the day when I accidentally said "I'm glad you're not my mom!" in the middle of a young women lesson (Long story. And I totally wasn't thinking when I said it, and I definitely didn't mean it). All jokes aside though, I am incredibly grateful for my own mom. She's had to deal with some rough things, but she is strong and faithful. I know that she has a testimony of the gospel, and I know that she loves the Church. She's one of my best friends. My mom has stayed up with me as I cried, given me advice that I needed to hear but didn't want to hear, gone shopping with me, and asked my advice and opinions on things that are important to her. At Nationals last year, she helped me do my hair, she followed me around the dance floor with a plastic bag and a bottle of ginger ale. She goes to almost every single competition, and is becoming the best kind of "dance mom." I call her a lot, although definitely not as much as I should :). I am so grateful for my mom.

Right before I moved out to go to college, I came home from work and she asked me if she had taught me everything I need to know.

Yes Mom, you did. You taught me about faith, about having strength, that it's okay to cry and eat chocolate, that the Lord's tender mercies are all around us. You taught me that sometimes we have to do things that we don't want to, even when they're good for us. You taught me about love and happiness. I don't say it enough, and it's difficult for me to actually say it, but I love you so much Mom. I am so grateful that you are my mom and for everything you do for me and for our family. My kids are going to have one fantastic grandma :).

I've got a challenge for you guys this week. Take the time to let your mom know how much she means to you and what she's done for you. If you don't have a great relationship with your mom, start one, and put effort into it. Make sure she knows you love her.

Someday, I will be a mom, and I cannot wait for that day; to watch over and nurture my children, to become their best friend, to teach them everything I know. I'm so grateful for mothers. 

(She won't be very happy with me for posting this picture (;. )