To Wallk through the Valley of Death
Have you ever really thought about what it means to give life? The actual act of bringing a child into the world? Far beyond the pain and exhaustion and relief there is something very amazing going on.
I am reminded of a quote that my mother always uses:
"Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to give us birth, deserves our undying gratitude."
Thomas S. Monson
It is true that delivering a child is one of the most arduous tasks human kind is called upon to do. Until very recently, indeed in some countries still, this has demanded great numbers of lives both of mother's and infants. It is without question that a woman is closest to death when she is giving life.
It is commonly believed that there is but one time in our existence on this Earth that we are close to the spirit world and that is death. But what... what if... for a woman there is another, life. In those few (or many) hours are we not equally as close to that Divine Realm? When we bring those precious Spirits here to dwell.
What an amazing responsibility I have been given. To touch the world of God not once but twice, three times, even four times in my life.
If indeed we as women are allowed to brush our lives against that veil of the spirit world more than once, then we are truly extraordinary. Our obligation of motherhood becomes less of a burden. It becomes a blessing, through which we can feel the greatness of our God.
We are able to rise above the prejudices of our sex and become the greatest of all His creations. The bringer's of life and the witnesses of the truth around us. So that when we are subjected to the daily monotony, the common degradation, and the routine sacrifice we can remember that we have walked through the valley of the shadow of death and brought back the next generation.
I am reminded of a quote that my mother always uses:
"Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to give us birth, deserves our undying gratitude."
Thomas S. Monson
It is true that delivering a child is one of the most arduous tasks human kind is called upon to do. Until very recently, indeed in some countries still, this has demanded great numbers of lives both of mother's and infants. It is without question that a woman is closest to death when she is giving life.
It is commonly believed that there is but one time in our existence on this Earth that we are close to the spirit world and that is death. But what... what if... for a woman there is another, life. In those few (or many) hours are we not equally as close to that Divine Realm? When we bring those precious Spirits here to dwell.
What an amazing responsibility I have been given. To touch the world of God not once but twice, three times, even four times in my life.
"'Those things which we call extraordinary, remarkable, or unusual may make history, but they do not make real life.
After all, to do well those things which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness. To be a successful father or a successful mother is greater than to be a successful general or a successful statesman." -Joseph F. Smith
If indeed we as women are allowed to brush our lives against that veil of the spirit world more than once, then we are truly extraordinary. Our obligation of motherhood becomes less of a burden. It becomes a blessing, through which we can feel the greatness of our God.
We are able to rise above the prejudices of our sex and become the greatest of all His creations. The bringer's of life and the witnesses of the truth around us. So that when we are subjected to the daily monotony, the common degradation, and the routine sacrifice we can remember that we have walked through the valley of the shadow of death and brought back the next generation.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."
-Psalms 23
Comments
is this an announcement??
And I don't think you can argue that Republican's care about the earth that much when the REPUBLICAN president is okay with drilling for oil in a wildlife reserve. If you really want to preserve the environment come up with a better way to run cars, or use more mass transit or something. Don't drill for more oil.