Motherhood

                Families, communities, and nations are strengthened when all individuals understand how God empowers women in motherhood. Motherhood is the most essential “career” for all women because we brought it from our pre-mortal life. “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve because she was the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). Adam said she was the “mother of all living” before Eve bore any children.

                Marie Bigelow posted an interesting article titled “3 Ways God Empowers Women in Motherhood.” She writes, “As a mother, doula, childbirth educator, and maternal-fetal health advocate, I have witnessed the magnification of mothers continually for over a decade. I have seen God’s hand in every aspect of raising the next generation. Here are three ways I continually see Heavenly Father strengthen and magnify mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and female role models.”

                First, Bigelow states that “God foreordained all women to be mothers. Modern day revelation teaches us that all women were foreordained in the preexistence to become mothers, in more ways than just physically. As the family proclamation teaches, gender is part of our eternal identity. Meaning, our gender and accompanying attributes were laid out in the preexistence. God had already qualified and empowered all women to this demanding role and endowed all women, even those who do not physically give birth, with the ability to mother….”

                Second, Bigelow shares that “The Physiology of childbirth transforms and strengthens women. Despite cultural beliefs, the ability to bear children is not a curse. Childbirth was not a punishment placed upon women after Eve partook of the fruit but was a divine gift to humankind long before Eve was ever placed in the Garden. Though childbirth is anything but a curse, it is also anything but easy! Pregnancy and birth take a physical and emotional toll on women, but God has found many ways to strengthen and magnify His daughters during this trying, yet edifying experience. One notable example of this is the physiological design of childbirth and how God uses the chemical reactions of birth to magnify and strengthen our relationships….”

                Third, Bigelow says that “Nurturing children magnifies women. Taking care of children magnifies a woman in two ways: (1) Physiological bonding continues as women nurture and enjoy children, and (2) Christlike love is developed and strengthened through countless opportunities to serve. Whether a woman gives birth to her children or adopts them, she will physiologically bond with her children as she enjoys spending time with them as they grow. Teaching, nurturing, snuggling, singing, dancing, playing, and reading together will add happiness to family life as both mother and child are rewarded by these activities….”

                Bigelow’s entire article is very helpful in explaining how God empowers women in motherhood. She states that to “mother” is to “give life.” There are many ways that women give life – besides giving birth. Think of the many step-mothers and adopted moms that love children born to other women and give them “life” through nurturing them in the home. Think of the many teachers who welcome into their classrooms children from many walks of life and help them to become better people. Think of the many grandmothers and great-grandmothers who have great influence for good in the lives of their posterity.

                Motherhood is a part of womanhood and is empowered by God. When we realize the power in motherhood, we can strengthen our families, communities, and nations.