I have been learning how to be a mother.
Things I guess I really was naive about but didn't realize until recently.
I naively believed that because I was a woman
being a mother would be second nature for me.
Ha ha ha! Not so much. Just because you have a baby doesn't mean
you always know what to do when that baby is crying.
With the birth of my son and my 4th child, some how
I felt even more that I needed more than my womanhood
to be a true mother. I needed the Armor of God.
Why that took so long to figure out I am not sure.
Perhaps the fact I had a son, a little man, and I will admit
I don't understand men very well and teaching a future
man how to be a honorable man seems daunting.
"The responsibility mothers have today has never required
more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the
world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born
into a world where they "wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness
in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).However, mothers need not
fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and
have made covenants with Him, they will have great power
and influence for good on their children.
Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and
daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women
who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him,
women who are strong and immovable and who do not give
up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an
inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women
of the Church to "stand strong and immovable for that which
is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord." He has
asked us to "begin in [our] own homes" to teach children
the ways of truth. Latter-day Saint women should be the
very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and
protecting families ". (Julie B. Beck, Mothers Who Know)
Then my hubby and I talked about how many children we
wanted an we decided to have some more.
Oh boy did the gates open up there! It seemed when we
made that decision everyday was full of contention and
rivalry. I thought how can I be a mother to more when I
clearly can't do it now!
It became clear that I was up against a force that wanted
me to fail. Yep that's right the father of all Lies the one who
always tells you you can't- Satan. He was attacking us. (still is)
That is when I figured it out! That needed the Armor of God.
I needed a Shield of Faith, a Breastplate of Righteousness,
and Sword of Truth! I needed Jesus Christ to direct my mothering!
And you know what as soon as I realized my need
He empowered me! I was immediately emboldened to live my
desires and felt the courage to face the foe and be all that I
could be with HIS help! How truly wonderful is that!
Now don't think that I am now perfect at this job...
not even close. But I have been given strength and I have
received whisperings of direction from the Holy Ghost to
help me. I still get discouraged but then I remind myself that
those thoughts aren't from God. He knows I can be the daughter
he made me to be and he has girded me up so I can do it!
Onward ever Onward!
Sending Love and hope out to all the mothers! God is on our side!
Love D-lyn
