Temple Thoughts and Mothers

On Saturday in the temple I had three thoughts. This summer I should organize my house and keep up with my blog. I also felt like Kate and I should learn about the mothers of the prophets of the restoration. Kate asks lots of questions about gender roles. She wants to know why we don't hear about women in the Book of Mormon. She wants to know why women don't hold the priesthood. She wants to know why we don't hear more about Heavenly Mother.

When she asks these questions, I think. I ponder. I try to find answers for her, and point her towards answers. I want her to ask questions and then pray to her Heavenly Father and look to good sources for answers. I want her search for understanding of the world around her to be motivated with love, not anger.

On Sunday afternoon we learned about the lives of the prophets' mothers. I read and Kate wrote down their names and a few ideas. The information came from the manuals "Teachings of Presidents of the Church". Some biographical information was more thorough than others. Reading stories about the lives of faithful men and women is so inspiring. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all of this information, but here it is.

1. Joseph Smith
Mother: Lucy Mack Smith
From an article in the December 1973 New Era by Richard Lloyd Anderson: Joseph Smith’s lifelong sensitiveness to his mother is a mark of her powerful influence in molding his early character. He could call her “one of the noblest and the best of all women” for her sacrifices and the excellence of her example. Careful study shows that both parents labored to teach high ideals to their children. The Prophet said so at the peak of his career: “Words and language are inadequate to express the gratitude that I owe to God for having given me so honorable a parentage.” This comment tells much about the parents but also much about Joseph Smith himself. They were God-fearing and strictly honest, and he loved them because he treasured their characteristics in his own life. Such parents furnish profound insights into the true character of their son who proclaimed revelations from God.

2. Brigham Young
Mother: Abigail “Nabby” Howe Young
From a Deseret News article, June 28, 2011 by Susan Evans McCloud
She taught him to honour Jesus and Heavenly Father. She told him to read the Bible and live by its teachings, to take care of people in need, and to not let anger arise in his heart.

3. John Taylor

Mother: Agnes Taylor

He was taught to pray at an early age.

4. Wilford Woodruff

Mother: Beulah Thompson (She died when he was 15 months old)
Stepmother: Azubah Hart Woodruff

His step mother’s gospel teachings helped lead him to seek the Lord’s true church.

5. Lorenzo Snow

Mother: Rosetta Leonora Pettibone

His parents treated him with care and tenderness. They taught him to work hard, to be honest and to have intergrity. They taught their children to learn about other religions.

6. Joseph F. Smith

Mother: Mary Fielding Smith

His mother taught him to face challenges with faith.

7. Heber J. Grant

Mother: Rachel Ridgeway Ivins Grant

She taught him persistence, integrity, faith, inspiration. Heber’s father died when he was nine days old. She worked hard to provide for her son. They lived in poverty because she would not deny her faith, her wealthy brothers promised to take care of her financially if she denied her faith.

8. George Albert Smith

Mother: Sarah Farr Smith

He praised his mother for the sacrifices she made to raise her family in the gospel. His father served a mission when he was five and he never heard his mother complain. His mother taught him to pray and trust that God would answer.

9. David O. McKay

Mother Jeanette Evans McKay

His mother taught him to pray. She was loyal, patient, tender and in control of her emotions. When he was seven years old, His Dad served a mission. He was gone for two years and so David and his Mom took care of the house and farm, with help from family and friends they prospered.

10. Joseph Fielding Smith

Mother: Julina Lambson Smith

He helped his mother be a midwife by driving her in the horse cart to her appointments. His mother wanted a son and promised Heavenly Father she would raise him to be a credit to the Lord. She served as the second councselor in the Relief Society General presidency.

11. Harold B. Lee

Mother: Louisa Bingham

His mother taught him to play piano and love music. They were very poor but very happy. His mom drove him to school in the horse cart – she supported him in his education, driving him through all weather in the open, on rough rural roads.

12. Spencer W. Kimball

Mother: Olive Woolley

His mother taught him hi the importance of tithing. They were poor, but he didn’t know it. His mother died when he was eleven and it was very hard on him.

13. Ezra Taft Benson

Mother: Sarah Dunkley Benson

Lessons: Hard work, family, unity, service, gospel living. He father went on a mission when he was twelve.

14. Howard W. Hunter

Mother: Nellie Rasmussen

His mother was always faithful. His mother taught him the gospel and taught him to pray.

15. Gordon B. Hinckley

Mother: Ada Bitner

His Mom was optimistic. His parents helped their children grow and succeed. They read scriptures, they encouraged them to be their best. He was influenced by his parent’s faith.

16. Thomas S. Monson

Mother: Gladys Condie Monson

His mother often invited people who were hungry to dinner. His parents showed good will to their fellow man.

17. Russell M. Nelson

Mother: Edna Anderson Nelson

His mother taught him to pray. She would sing to him to comfort him. She was an accomplished musician. His parents put family first, and virtually every night was family night. His parents taught him to love and be concerned about other people.