Here is an excellent interfaith video message for Mother’s Day from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, produced in association with several faith groups to remind people everywhere of the importance of families. It has been posted on the Mormon Messages YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PTfOA0gF08
The closing line is particularly thoughtful: "This Mother's Day, thank the women who have loved, mentored, and mothered you". The use of the word "women" is important; not all the women who have loved and mentored you may have been mothers. They may have been aunts, co-workers, or neighbors who through no fault of their own, or even by deliberate choice, did not become mothers. A woman who is not a mother should never consider herself to be a second-class citizen on Mother's Day, and women who allow themselves to feel like second-class citizens because they have not become mothers are being influenced by Satan. Remember that Satan is a master manipulator and counterfeiter who can exploit the chinks in any spiritual armor and infuse you with false guilt. Furthermore, Satan does not require your permission to tempt you; his rules of engagement entitle him to exploit any opportunity without notice. Satan is the Father of Lies, the Accuser of the Brethren, and the Prince of the Power of the Air (mass media).
In the LDS Church, we honor mothers on Mother's Day because being a mother requires so much extra time and effort. They deserve the honors directed towards them, and I would hope that any woman who isn't a mother would resist the temptation to spoil their special day with envy and resentment. Part of the attitude of gratitude is learning when it is counterproductive to inflict your personal pain upon others.
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