Women hold a special place in the church. They are the center of service and of the home. They lead, preach, teach, and hold many positions in the church, and they create the heart of their families. Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet of the Mormons, speaks about women and their roles in life.
A model of ideal womanhood is Ruth. Sensing the grief-stricken heart of her mother-in-law Naomi-who suffered the loss of each of her two fine sons-feeling perhaps the pangs of despair and loneliness that plagued the very soul of Naomi, Ruth uttered what has become that classic statement of loyalty: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” 14 Ruth’s actions demonstrated the sincerity of her words.
Through Ruth’s undeviating loyalty to Naomi, she was to marry Boaz, by which she-the foreigner and Moabite convert-became a great-grandmother of David and, therefore, an ancestor of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Thomas S. Monson, “Models to Follow,” Ensign, Nov 2002, 60
What the modernists, even the liberationists, fail to remember is that women, in addition to being persons, also belong to a sex, and that with the differences in sex are associated important differences in function and behavior. Equality of rights does not imply identity of functions. As Paul the apostle declared: “… neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 11:11.)
Recognizing the truth of this statement, may I issue to you three challenges for our times: first, sustain your husband; second, strengthen your home; third, serve your God.
Thomas S. Monson, “The Women’s Movement: Liberation or Deception?,” Ensign, Jan 1971, 17
Sisters, you are the epitome of love. You brighten your homes, you lead with kindness your children; and while your husbands may be head of the home, you surely are the heart of the home. Together, through respect for each other and sharing of responsibilities, you make an unbeatable team.
To me it is significant that when children need care and loving attention, they turn to you-their mothers. Even the wayward son or neglectful daughter, when he or she recognizes the need to return to the embrace of family, almost inevitably comes to Mother, who has never given up on her child.
Mother’s love brings out the best in a child. You become the model for your children to follow.
The first word a child learns and utters is usually the dear expression “Mama.” To me it is significant that on the battlefields of war or in peace, frequently when death is about to overtake a son, his final word is usually “Mother.” Sisters, what a noble role is yours. I testify that your hearts are filled with love.
Thomas S. Monson, “‘Be Thou an Example’,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 98
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