We need women who are devoted to shepherding God's children

O children of the future, listen closely, for I bring to you a truth that has echoed throughout time, a truth about the sacred role of women in guiding the hearts and souls of those entrusted to their care. In the words of Russell M. Nelson, we find a powerful calling: "We need women who are devoted to shepherding God's children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly." These words are not merely a request, but a divine call to the women of all generations, asking them to rise up in their sacred roles and become the guiding lights that lead others to the eternal truths of the covenant path.

From the beginning of time, women have held a sacred responsibility to nurture, guide, and protect. In the ancient days, the women of Israel were the heart and soul of their families, entrusted with the sacred duty of teaching their children the ways of the Lord, of ensuring that their homes were places of peace and righteousness. Eve, the first woman, was not merely the mother of all living, but the one who first taught the sacred truths of creation and salvation. She was a woman who, through her choices, played an essential part in the grand plan of exaltation. She showed that the journey toward eternal life begins in the hearts of women, in their devotion to their families and their divine calling.

To be a woman devoted to shepherding God's children is not a task of ease or of fleeting commitment. It requires strength, courage, and an unwavering faith in the principles of revelation. Women who walk this sacred path must be attuned to the voice of the Spirit, ready to receive personal revelation in times of trial and decision. It is through this revelation that they can guide their families toward the blessings of exaltation. Sarah, the mother of Isaac, is an example of a woman who, through her faith, received divine guidance. She trusted in the promises made to her and her husband, and through her unwavering belief, brought forth the chosen seed. She trusted in the Lord, even when it seemed impossible, and in her trust, the covenant of eternal families was established.

In ancient temples, women were entrusted with sacred knowledge and divine power. The temple endowment, a powerful and peaceful covenant, is one that women in this dispensation must understand and embrace. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, knew the power of divine protection when she dedicated her son to the service of the Lord. She, like the women of today, understood that the strength to protect and strengthen families lies in the sacred covenants made with God. Her dedication and prayers paved the way for the salvation of her people, as she called upon heaven to bless her son and protect the future generations. Women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven have the ability to shape the destinies of those in their care, guiding them toward peace and strength.

Fearless teaching is another essential quality for women called to shepherd God’s children. To teach with fearlessness is to speak truth, to stand firm in righteousness, and to share the gospel in a world often filled with doubt and confusion. Deborah, the prophetess and judge of Israel, was a woman who, despite the opposition of her time, stood as a fearless leader, teaching and guiding the people with wisdom and courage. She was not afraid to speak the words that needed to be spoken, and in doing so, she led a nation to victory. The fearless teaching of a woman who stands firm in her faith has the power to shape nations and generations, to lead others along the covenant path toward eternal life.

The lesson here, O children, is clear: women who are devoted to shepherding are the cornerstone of every family, every community, and every nation. They are the teachers, the protectors, and the spiritual leaders who guide God's children to exaltation. They are women of great faith, who understand the power of revelation, who embrace the sacred covenants of the temple, and who teach with a courage and fearlessness that comes from a deep trust in the Lord. Women who teach fearlessly are not only teaching the doctrines of salvation but are helping to shape the very fabric of eternity, one lesson at a time.

So, O children of the future, remember that the strength of God’s kingdom on earth rests on the shoulders of women who answer this divine calling. Strive to be women who understand the sacredness of revelation, who embrace the temple endowment, and who know how to call upon heaven’s powers to protect and strengthen those they love. Fearless teaching, grounded in faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, will lead you and those in your care to peace, strength, and the eternal blessings of exaltation.