Daughters of God
Description:
Elder M. Russell Ballard’s experiences not only as apostle, but as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to several girls, have all contributed to his newest book, Daughters of God. We love this compilation of three of Elder Ballard’s finest talks given to women because it is a wonderful reminder of spiritual truths and our roles as women, mothers and beloved daughters of God. For women of all ages, this quick read is the perfect book to remind you who, and Whose, you really are.
1. Elder Ballard says, "There is no one perfect way to be a good mother (p.3)." Discuss what we as mothers and women in general can do to measure how we are doing, if there is "no one perfect way." What things do we do that give us false measurements?
2. Giving counsel to young mothers, Elder Ballard answers four commonly asked questions (p.9-15). Read these questions to the group and have members share what highlights they gained from Elder Ballards counsel.
3. A very touching image is shared as Elder Ballard tells the story of gathering the children of different countries around the feet of the Christus. He then says, "perhaps the world's troubles could be solved if we could turn over the leadership of nations to the children for a few days (p.19)." Share what lessons young children have taught you as you have mentored or mothered them.
4. Even though he gives a lot of emphasis to the importance of a "mother", Elder Ballard also strongly shares the importance of every woman. "...Motherhood is not the only measure of goodness or of one's acceptance before the Lord. Every righteous woman has a significant role to play in the onward march of the kingdom of God (p.45)." Have group members share women other than their mothers who have influenced them.
5. He also states (very boldly) "Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion and to build the Kingdom of God (p.52)." Share what this has meant for you in different stages of your life (single, married, mother, empty nester, etc.)
6. Have members of the group share what they were impressed to do as they strive to be one of the women that "step forward in righteousness and say by their words and actions, "Here am I, send me" (p.55).
JOURNAL QUESTION: In her foreword of this book, Sheri Dew shares that she wishes "every woman who reads, studies and ponders Elder Ballard's words (will) come to know for herself that what he teaches about all of us is true for every one of us" (p. xiii). Record in your journal this week what you came to KNOW while reading this book and what you are going to do to be a "Daughter of God."
