The Power of the Priesthood

"Against all of that (referring to the evils & natural disasters around us), we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead." I love the optimism that the brethren always portray. It strengthens me and give me courage.

"It has never been easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ." Oh, it's nice to hear that from an apostle! I feel validated in my struggles. It's okay that it's hard, we just have to remember that it's worth it.

"It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan." Again, the optimism, this time with a promise! We will be victorious.

"Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters—who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers—we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected." Then, a few lines later, "We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." I initally thought, this talk is just for the brethren, but it's for us sisters as well. The men in our lives need our unfailing support to help them reach their full potential and to fulfill their responsibilities. They need our confidence in them.

President Harold B. Lee stated: “It seems clear to me that the Church has no choice—and never has had—but to do more to assist the family in carrying out its divine mission, not only because that is the order of heaven, but also because that is the most practical contribution we can make to our youth—to help improve the quality of life in the Latter-day Saint homes. As important as our many programs and organizational efforts are, these should not supplant the home; they should support the home.” Then as he concludes, "Every law and principle and power, every belief, every ordinance and ordination, every covenant, every sermon and every sacrament, every counsel and correction, the sealings, the calls, the releases, the service—all these have as their ultimate purpose the perfection of the individual and the family." I love the reminder that it all comes down to family. Quotes like these help me keep perspective when mothering seems mundane, unfulfilling, and unappreciated. They strengthen my desire to be a good mother, one who seeks "the best", not just "the good" or "better."

Up Next: "Watching with All Perserverence" by Elder Bednar