MTC Week #123 - Mothering Hearts

There was nothing too out of the ordinary with Thursday's rehearsal this past week. We came, took our seats, had our seating rearranged, went through warm-ups, and then launched into learning four songs (five for the women) designed to pay tribute to mothers. It was, however, unusual to see several guys with cameras taking footage of us rehearsing. And there was even a young family sitting out in the benches, getting filmed as well. But, as is sometimes the case, no mention was made by our leaders as to who they were or why the filming was happening. Ah well! So it goes :)

From the songs we rehearsed, of note was one that was new for 2016, titled "Mother, I Followed Your Footsteps," by R. Ross Boothe. As far as songs that pay tribute to mothers go, this one was quite beautiful with some really nice lyrics as well. In fact, they honestly made me think of my own mother and of my wife as she continues to fulfill her role as a mother. Here are a few of the lyrics:

Mother I followed your footsteps;
You were my guide every day.
You chose the path of the Master,
So I learned to walk in His way.

Starting each day in devotion.
Praying to Father above.
Rising to see every blessing from heaven.
I learned to feel God's love. 

Morning till evening I followed.
Seeing the good you would do.
Learning that I was Gods child in your keeping.
I yearned to be like you.  


While I am, of course, absolutely glad that we have a day to celebrate all the good that mothers do, I also find myself sensitive to two groups of women that may not find a lot of joy in this day. The first group consists of women who have not been blessed with the opportunity of having children--despite their many prayers and longings of their hearts. I was thus very grateful that Lloyd Newell, giving the Spoken Word, was sensitive to this special group of women, by saying: "Today we honor mothers—our own and the women around us with mothering hearts, whether or not they have been blessed with children." There's little doubt that many of these women who can't have children, but long for them, would be wonderful mothers if given the chance. And I have no doubt that someday, whether in this life or the next, they will have that opportunity.

The other group of women are mothers who, upon hearing such lyrics as the ones above, feel like they have failed, are not measuring up, and don't deserve to be honored at all. To them I offer a quote given by Jeffrey R. Holland, who said:

"To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, 'Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love never faileth.’ I can pay no higher tribute to anyone."  (from the talk "Behold Thy Mother", Oct. 2015 General Conference)

Whether or not these women feel like they failed with this or that within their motherhood role, I hope they know that at the very least, the love they have and show to their children is love that does not fail. Your children will feel it and greatly benefit from it, every single day.

Thank you, mothers, for all you are and all you do.

Until next time, God be with you. 

Me and my Mom!