This Sunday our lesson came from the Relief Society manual on Joseph Fielding Smith, chapter 4.
We
had a great discussion about families. Ironically enough, I had been
contemplating this subject the week before. I was somewhat worn
down, thinking of all the trials my children will have to face in the
continually degrading world. I was weighed down with the realization
that the constant pressure to accept immoral practices as if they were
moral has overcome much of the population. "How am I going to help my
children remember true happiness comes through God's way?" These words
repeatedly ran through my head.
I'd gone to visit my family in my safe and comfortable
home where I'd grown up. My mom and sister wanted to go to the store, so
I tagged along. We were driving and having a simple conversation, when
the topic that had been weighing on my mind was brought up. I asked my
mom if the change I was noticing in our little mostly-LDS hometown was
because I was older and more aware or because I was no longer in the
safe high school bubble living at home? She simply responded, "Yes." I
sat quiet for a moment. Then, my mom said something that re-shaped my
perspective, "You didn't notice as much before because you were living
at home. ***You create the environment your children will know.***" Wow!
Truth? Yes! Something I'd always known, but for some reason, it hit me
in that moment. I realized to a deeper extent than ever before,
that I have the ability, along side my Heavenly Father, the Savior, and
my willing husband, to create an environment that welcomes the Spirit.
My influence, as a woman, is strong here. Stronger than any negative
outside force. With God on my side, the house becomes a home. A home for
my children. A home where The Spirit can teach and be heard. I have the
ability to form this environment as a woman. I have been given this
sacred stewardship to raise children in righteousness, in a righteous
home (when the time will come). How can women not find this
empowering? I am so incredibly grateful for the chance I have to build
the most important unit of any perspective- the family. After my mom
made this life changing comment, my wise little sister, a first-time
mother of just 2 months, reminded me, "The future is as bright as your
faith! Remember that quote by Pres. Monson?" Yes. Have faith, sisters!
The future of your family and your own children is as bright as the
faith and experiences you try your best to provide in the walls of your
own home. A wonderful thing to remember, as well, is these precious
children are God's children, too. He is watching out for them in all the
ways we feel we can't. I find that comforting, maybe you will, too.
But, in our weakness we can find strength (Ether
12:27). Trust in Him, follow the Spirit. You're a daughter of God. You were meant to do this!
In our efforts to create a Christ centered home it is of
utmost importance to remember the balance that is had in supporting and
sustaining your husband. And vice versa. We have different roles to
fulfill. Marriage is a partnership. Not one above the other, and not one
below the other. The best way to progress is to build, rather than tear
down. This is true of any situation. It is important, then, to support
and sustain our husbands. I loved the definition our teacher gave of
"sustaining", I'm going to paraphrase: "Sustaining: To do your best
part to help a person fulfill their role." We would benfit to not be
afraid to sustain our husbands. We sustain the prophet. He is God's
mouthpiece. And our husbands are our family's patriarch's, just as
someone needs to be the matriarch. I like to think of a business. In a
well run business everyone has a role to fulfill. People are put into
positions that best suit their abilties and natural skills. When
everyone fills their role to their best ability, the business runs
smoothly and the workers are satisfied. There are times where some
people have to fill bits and pieces of the roles of others for a period
to keep the business afloat, because a worker may be sick, or not
present. If the fill-in worker were to do this for a long time, while
also attempting to fulfil their main role, they would become tired,
weak, and even depressed. Then, both the roles in the company would
suffer. Unfortunately, this can happen to a worker no matter how noble
their efforts may be. But, when the ill or missing worker returns, and
they fulfill their role, the business is back at its peak. The business
can then move forward and upward.
So, like last week for me, days of
doubt may come. But "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!"
-Pres. Uchtdorf. With faith in God's eternal and unchanging truths,
the future of your family will be as bright as your faith!
I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers. Don't
hesitate to go to Him! He loves you. Yes, I know this. Jesus Christ is
our Savior. His love is infinite, as is His atonement. He lives. His
atonement is a real power. We need it daily to strengthen us. I know
families can be together forever. I'm so thankful for this. I bear a
humble witness by the Holy Ghost that these things are true. If you
aren't sure, pray, and keep praying. You will know someday. That's a
promise of experience. Love you sisters!
Elise Gardner
P.S.
Remember to pray for the missionaries.
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