Purpose: In the April 2010 General Conference, Elder M. Russell Ballard said, "In these last days it is essential—even critical—that parents and children listen to and learn from one another. I understand that some of you young women do not have mothers with whom you can discuss these issues. And many of you women do not presently have daughters in your lives. But because all women have within their divine nature both the inherent talent and the stewardship to mother, most of what I will say applies equally to grandmothers, aunts, sisters, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, leaders, and other mentors who sometimes fill the gaps for these significant mother-daughter relationships."

Scripture:

Song: "Mother, Tell Me the Story"

Lesson: (adapted from the GC talk, "Mothers & Daughters." Quotes from Elder Ballard's talk appear in red)


In today's world, the role of a woman has become increasingly skewed . Satan's true ammunition to destroy humankind is to destroy the value of a woman. If he destroys and decays women, he destroys and decays families.

Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other explore their infinite possibilities, despite the undermining influences of a world in which womanhood and motherhood are being corrupted and manipulated.

Speaking to the women of the Church nearly a century ago, President Joseph F. Smith said: “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the . . . women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and . . . purifying to the children of men” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 184).

It is, unfortunately, all too easy to illustrate the confusion and distortion of womanhood in contemporary society. Immodest, immoral, intemperate women jam the airwaves, monopolize magazines, and slink across movie screens—all while being celebrated by the world.

he Apostle Paul spoke prophetically of “perilous times” that will come in the last days and specifically referenced something that may have seemed particularly perilous to him: “silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts” (2 Timothy 3:1, 6). Popular culture today often makes women look silly, inconsequential, mindless, and powerless. It objectifies them and disrespects them and then suggests that they are able to leave their mark on mankind only by seduction—easily the most pervasively dangerous message the adversary sends to women about themselves.

Actions speak louder than words...what are your Motherly actions "teaching" your daughters?

Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. She may not be a whiz at texting; she may not even have a Facebook page. But when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge.

Mothers, you are the protection your daughters need. If you are immodest, you're teaching your daughter to be the same. If you're dishonest, gossip, be judgmental or do not keep the Sabbath Day holy, your daughters will follow your example. Likewise, your examples of temple attendance, Visiting Teaching, helping the sick and so forth can teach more than any lectures could.

Today our society is bombarded with messages about womanhood and motherhood that are dangerously and wickedly wrong. Following these messages can put your daughters on the path to sin and self-destruction. Your daughters may not understand that unless you tell them or, better, unless you show them how to make good choices. As mothers in Israel, you are your daughters’ first line of defense against the wiles of the world.

In today’s world this means talking to your daughters about sexual matters. Your daughters as well as your sons are coming of age in a world that openly embraces early, casual, and thoughtless promiscuity. Immodest, unchaste women are glamorized and all too often celebrated and emulated. While there are steps that we can take in our homes and families to minimize our exposure to these unsavory elements of contemporary living, your daughters cannot entirely avoid the blatant sexual messages and enticements that surround them. You need to have frequent, open discussions during which you teach your daughters the truth about these issues.

For example, they need to understand that when they wear clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low cut, they not only can send the wrong message to young men with whom they associate, but they also perpetuate in their own minds the fallacy that a woman’s value is dependent solely upon her sensual appeal. This never has been nor will it ever be within the righteous definition of a faithful daughter of God. They need to hear this—clearly and repeatedly—from your lips, and they need to see it modeled correctly and consistently in your own personal standards of dress, grooming, and modest living.

Discussion:

What are some ways you can improve your image to better portray your divine role as a daughter of God?

What are some good examples of women in your life? What are some bad examples of women?

How can we help be better leaders to other women? (“It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the . . . women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and . . . purifying to the children of men.”)

LDS Video: "Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership"

Activity:

Mother & Daughter(s), Aunt/Nieces, etc Date Night--- go out for an ice cream and have conversations about life, school, boys, challenges they face, life goals, whatever else comes up! Enjoy the time together!

Treat: On the date, go get an ice cream, or some other yummy treat!