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The Divine Role of Women in the Home and Church
An African proverb teaches, “If women lower their arms, heaven falls.” This wisdom beautifully illustrates the vital role women play in God’s plan. Women are entrusted with sacred responsibilities, and their influence on the home, family, and society is nothing short of extraordinary.
Throughout history, Heavenly Father has placed considerable trust in women. From Eve, who courageously stepped into mortality, to Mary, who humbly embraced her sacred calling as the mother of Christ, women have played important roles in the plan of salvation.
Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872–1952), an Apostle of the Church, once said, “The place of woman in the Church is to walk beside the man, not in front of him nor behind him.” Women are not behind the curtain, nor are they secondary characters. They are on the same level of importance as men in the eyes of our Creator, each having different roles and assignments.
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained: “To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times.”
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “It would be impossible to measure the influence that … women have, not only on families but also on the Lord’s Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.”
To achieve this divine influence, women are given sacred responsibilities. Let’s focus on three specific aspects of their role:
1. Raising Children
“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states that mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. This sacred duty includes much more than physical care; it involves teaching them to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God (see Luke 2:52). Mothers instill values, nurture integrity, and plant the seeds of unshakable faith. They are called to teach self-reliance and instill in their children that all things must be done in diligence, wisdom, and order (see Mosiah 4:27).
As Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “children are an heritage of the Lord,” and parents are accountable to Him for their care. Parents cannot delegate this sacred commission to others. Fathers and mothers cannot expect or allow schools, Church leaders, Youtubers, or armies to do our work for us. The wisdom and good judgment of the parents bless the family.
2. Testifying of Christ
The Book of Mormon invites us: “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ” so that our children may know where to turn for hope (2 Nephi 25:26). Mothers who consistently testify of Christ plant seeds of faith in their children that can grow into mighty testimonies. The young warriors of Helaman credited their mothers for their faith, declaring, “We do not doubt our mothers knew it” (Alma 56:48). A mother’s testimony and example have the power to shape the next generation’s spiritual strength.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invites us to share His light boldly: “As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him.”
3. Living as Examples of Faith
Actions often speak louder than words. The way women live their faith is more powerful than anything they can say. President Kimball foresaw that the progress of the Church in the last days would depend on the example of righteous women. On this prophetic declaration, President Nelson said: “My dear sisters, … you are the women he foresaw! Your virtue, light, love, knowledge, courage, character, faith, and righteous lives will draw good women of the world, along with their families, to the Church in unprecedented numbers!”
To fulfill these sacred responsibilities, women must anchor themselves in the gospel. Let the scriptures be their guide, the temple their refuge, and prayer their compass, seeking the Lord’s direction each day to know where He needs them.
The women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are vital to the building of God’s kingdom. Their influence has the power to change not only lives but also the world. President Nelson reminds us, “Sisters, please never underestimate the extraordinary power within you to influence others for good.”