Like lionesses at the gate of the home

[5ft Diva]

While speaking to a group of R.S. sisters, Sister Beck taught that: "Women are like lionesses at the gate of the home. Whatever happens in that home and family happens because she cares about it and it matters to her. She guards that gate, and things that matter to that family if they matter to her.

This does take a lot of effort on our part - requiring a proactive nature at the very least. Just a few questions to reflect on:

What are ways you have been the lioness in your home?
What are the challenges you face being the lioness of your home?
Do you feel alone or do you feel united with other sisters and mothers in this effort?
How can we all be a better support to mothers who are literally "guarding their den" all by themselves?

[bookworm]

That is great!! I love that analogy.

What are ways you have been the lioness in your home? I feel like it's a daily effort-- when I get the family to read the BOM together or have a prayer together or when I block a show they shouldn't see or when I remind them of the internet rules or when I have to say "no" to something, I think I'm being the lioness. Also when I have good, long conversations with them about faith and God and the Savior and the gospel, morality, ethics, kindness, generosity and their influence on others.
What are the challenges you face being the lioness of your home? Mainly just resistance from the family (sometimes) and the attacks of the adversary, which sounds very general, but it's true.
Do you feel alone or do you feel united with other sisters and mothers in this effort? Sometimes, but luckily I'm surrounded by good women doing the same thing. I feel blessed that my kids have friends with similar standards in their homes, that helps. I would feel VERY alone if that weren't the case.
How can we all be a better support to mothers who are literally "guarding their den" all by themselves? I don't know, I'll be interested to hear if anyone has any suggestions. I suppose getting to know them, and sharing experiences, successes and failures might be helpful.

[5ft Diva]

I am Woman, hear me roar!

I like to think that I am a force to be reckoned with when someone attacks my home. I will do whatever it takes to defend my home...much like Captain Moroni (or Ramoni as my five-year-old would say) did for the Nephites he served. Just try to be the individual standing between his people and their freedom...that's how I feel.

The challenges I face are obviously direct attacks from the adversary and well intended criticisms by those who are standing on my side of the fence.

I feel very united w/ the sisters in my life....every one of us being a force to be reckoned with. Bring it on!

I feel the best way to support those lionesses guarding the den by themselves is to simply stand shoulder to shoulder with them and help them guard it - not to be confused with doing it for them. I've been that sister guarding the den alone and what I needed more than anything was for my kids to see the active and sincere example of another mother reinforcing what I had been teaching them.