You know that feeling when life is just a bit too much and you need a reminder that you aren't just "getting by"? For many women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that reminder usually comes through a specific set of words. Honestly, motherhood in this faith isn't just a life phase. It's a whole theology.
When people search for quotes about mothers lds, they aren't usually looking for generic Hallmark cards. They’re looking for something that anchors them.
The thing about these quotes is that they range from "you are literally doing the work of angels" to "stay home and don't look at the marketplace." It's a lot to navigate. But at the core, the message is about a divine connection that doesn't end when the kids move out or the dishes are finally done.
What the Prophets Actually Said About You
If you’ve ever sat through a General Conference session, you’ve heard the heavy hitters. President Russell M. Nelson didn't mince words when he said:
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"The highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother."
That’s a big statement. It’s also one that can feel like a heavy weight if you're currently scrubbing crayon off a baseboard. But modern leaders have tried to expand that definition. It's not just about biology.
President Gordon B. Hinckley was famous for his "salute to women." He once told mothers that they have "no greater mission than to rear [their children] in light and truth." He basically argued that mothers are the real nation-builders. Forget the politicians; it's the lullabies that change the world.
The "All Women Are Mothers" Shift
This is a big one. Sheri Dew, a former leader in the Relief Society, gave a talk in 2001 that people still quote today. She titled it "Are We Not All Mothers?"
Her point?
Motherhood is the essence of womanhood.
It’s not just about who gave birth. It’s about who nurtures, who leads, and who mentors. This was a huge deal for single women or those struggling with infertility. It meant the "mother heart" wasn't locked behind a biological gate.
The Scriptural Heavyweights
We can’t talk about quotes about mothers lds without hitting the Book of Mormon. Specifically, the 2,000 stripling warriors. You know the verse. It’s Alma 56:48.
The young soldiers said: "We do not doubt our mothers knew it."
Think about that for a second. These kids were facing actual war, and their primary source of courage wasn't their armor or their swords. It was their moms' testimonies. It's the ultimate "mom flex" in scripture. These women, the mothers of the Helaman’s warriors, lived in a place called Jershon. They had made a covenant of peace. They couldn't fight, so they taught their sons how to believe.
Then there’s Eve. In LDS doctrine, Eve is a hero. She’s not the one who "messed up" everything. She’s the one who made a conscious, courageous choice so that humanity could exist. She is called the "Mother of all Living" not just as a title, but as a recognition of her foresight.
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When the Quotes Feel a Bit... Intense
Let's be real. Some of the older quotes about mothers lds can feel a little restrictive in 2026. If you look back at manuals from the 70s or 80s, the language about mothers working outside the home was pretty blunt. Leaders like Ezra Taft Benson urged mothers to "come home."
But even then, there were nuances.
- Barbara B. Smith (Relief Society General President in the 80s) noted that there is "no one way that will fit all circumstances."
- Chieko Okazaki later reminded women that "not all mothers can make the choice to be home... circumstances constrain their choices."
Basically, the "ideal" is often held up, but the reality is that the Lord meets you where you are. You aren't a "bad LDS mom" because you have a career. You're a woman navigating a complex world with the Spirit as your guide.
The "Divine Nature" Factor
Why does this matter? Because in this faith, motherhood is linked to "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." It says mothers are "primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."
Nurturing isn't just feeding people. It's emotional regulation. It’s spiritual grounding. It’s being the "savior on Mount Zion" for your own family, as Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once put it. He told mothers they are doing better than they think they are.
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He said, "Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are."
Honestly? Most moms need to hear that daily.
Actionable Takeaways for the Busy Mom
If you're looking for a way to use these quotes about mothers lds to actually improve your life, don't just pin them to a board and feel guilty.
- Pick one "Anchor Quote" for the week. Don't overdo it. Just one. Maybe it's the Holland quote about doing better than you think. Tape it to the bathroom mirror.
- Redefine "Nurturing." If you're working 40 hours a week, nurturing might happen during the 20 minutes of bedtime reading. It counts. It all counts.
- Study the women, not just the quotes. Look into the lives of Abish or Sariah. They weren't perfect. They had "murmuring" moments too.
- Write your own. What is the "truth" your children will say they "know" because of you? Write that down. That’s your personal scripture.
The power of these words isn't in their perfection. It's in the reminder that you are part of a long line of women who have been "anxiously engaged" in the exact same struggle. You’re not alone in the chaos.
Next Steps for Deepening Your Study:
- Read the full text of "Are We Not All Mothers?" by Sheri Dew to understand the broader definition of motherhood.
- Compare the accounts of Mary in the New Testament with Nephi’s vision of her in 1 Nephi 11 to see a different, more "condescending" (in the holy sense) perspective of her role.
- Journal for five minutes on what your "mother heart" looks like in your current life stage, whether you have children or not.