N. Eldon Tanner on the blessed role of mothers

President Nathan Eldon Tanner (May 9, 1898—November 27, 1982) was ordained an apostle in 1962.  A year later he was called as a counselor in the First Presidency, and continued in that role during the administration of four Church presidents until his death in 1982 at age 84.

"A mother has far greater influence on her children than anyone else, and she must realize that every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect the lives of her children and the whole family. It is while the child is in the home that he gains from his mother the attitudes, hopes, and beliefs that will determine the kind of life he will live and the contribution he will make to society.

"President Brigham Young expressed the thought that mothers are the moving instruments in the hands of Providence and are the machinery that gives zest to the whole man and guides the destinies and lives of men and nations upon the earth....

"President Hugh B. Brown once said at a Relief Society conference, 'There are people fond of saying that women are the weaker instruments, but I don’t believe it. Physically they may be, but spiritually, morally, religiously, and in faith, what man can match a woman who is really converted to the gospel! Women are more willing to make sacrifices than are men, more patient in suffering, more earnest in prayer. They are the peers and often superior to men in resilience, in goodness, in morality, and in faith.' (Relief Society Conference, Sept. 29, 1965.)"

- N. Eldon Tanner, "No Greater Honor: The Woman's Role," New Era, January 1977, p. 31
Click here to read the full article

President Tanner was a noted and respected leader for many years during my youth. This talk reflected some of the cultural perceptions of that era about the role of women in society; but it also presented some of the sound doctrinal foundations that don't change with time. President Tanner had a deep and sincere appreciation for the influence of mothers:

President Tanner also quoted this memorable statement from his friend President Hugh B. Brown, who, like him, was raised in Canada.  President Brown had passed away just a few years before this talk was published.