Woman spotlight #3: Mary the mother of Jesus

On Mother's Day, I thought about mothers who have inspired me over the years.

I was especially impressed with Mary, the mother of our Savior.

I chose several verses from the Book of Luke that show her character and who she is as a mother.

Luke 1: 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

2:19  But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Mary was chosen for who she was and probably for how she had lived her life up to that point, she willingly submitted to a calling that was probably at first frightening to her, and then, as a mother, she pondered sacred truths in her heart and she taught them to her family even as "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and [had] the grace of God upon him" (Luke 2:40).

I love the light in Mary's eyes and glow in her face in this picture.

I also love this picture of Mary holding Jesus as a toddler.

Here is a beautiful video of the biblical events of Mary and Jesus.

I cannot talk about mothers without talking about my own. She treasures and testifies of motherhood and puts the Lord first. She is certainly a mother who knows.

I hope that I can be like these women even a little bit.

Yesterday, I thought back to my first days as a mother in the literal sense as I believe what Sheri Dew said, "Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us."

Eliza Jane was so precious and tiny.

I had my insecurities but also a confidence in being her mother when she was in my arms.

I was so glad that we made it through the first year and then to eighteen months. Every new mother fear from SIDS and choking to falling plagued me from the beginning and still do, but I have also relaxed and put my fear into faith that I am getting help from above.

This painting of Mary hangs in my house to remind me of the kind of mother and woman that I want to be.

Thank you to all of the amazing mothers around me!