From his book, My Dear Sisters, President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: "Woman is God's supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal liffe had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good." My Dear Sisters, President Gordon B. Hinckley, 42)
One of the single most significant responsibilities for a latter-day woman of God-regardless of her personal circumstances-is to help love and lead the younger generation. Where women choose to magnify their mother heart, either directly or vicariously, progress and happiness is the sure result.
The Lord especially loves righteous women-women who are not only faithful but filled with faith, women who are optimistic and cheerful because they know who they are and where they are going, women who are striving to live and serve as women of God.
There can be no question about how our Father feels about His daughters, who He has charged with the principal care of His children. And...there can be no question about why prophets-ancient and modern-have depended so heavily upon the influence of mothers, both in and outside the home, to help build the gospel kingdom.
Horrifying events throughout the earth have underscored the fact that we live in a world of uncertainty. Never has there been a greater need for righteous women who will bless the children with the sense of safety, security, and confidence about the future; women who teach the younger generation where to find peace and truth, and that power of Jesus Christ is always stronger than the power of the adversary. Every time faith is built or reinforced, every time a woman loves or leads anyone even one small step, she is being true to her calling as a mother, and in the process assisting to build the kingdom of God.
Elder M Russell Ballard declared: "We need women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity as the Relief Society declaration proclaims. We need women who can hear and who will respond to the voice of the Lord, women who at all costs will defend and protect the family. We need women who rejoice in their womanhood and have a spiritual confirmation of their identity, their value, and their eternal destiny. Above all, we need women who will stand up for truth and righteousness and decry evil at every turn..." (Women of Righteousness, M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, April 2002)
Our Father and His Only Begotten Son have given each woman a sacred stewardship. May you rejoice in it; and may you be worthy of Their trust.
Sister Val Walsh
Centralia Stake Relief Society Secretary
