Dear Satan,
I heard a great quote once from a lady I greatly admire. Julie B. Beck told all of us women at BYU Women's Conference, "I have said lately 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 matter to that family if they matter to her." Guess what – I believe her! I even put a picture of a lioness in my room where I see it every day as a reminder.
So Satan, I know you like to make me feel like I am a crappy parent and that what I do isn't making a difference. I know you like to whisper negative thoughts into my ear about how I don't contribute to society because all I do is stay home all day and that I should go get a job or go back to school and get a career so I can drive a fancy car. I know you want me to believe that my kids don't listen to a word I say or care about things that are important to me. I know you are the one that tells me it's ok to be upset and angry and overwhelmed when things don't go my way or my house is a complete disaster. I know you are trying to keep me so busy and tired that I don't want to stay awake to read my scriptures or pray when I go to bed at night. I know that you are the one that tells me that FHE was a failure when kids fight the whole time, or that when our family only reads one verse in our scriptures for family scripture study because we slept in too long that we aren't dedicated enough. You are the one who tells my kids that they are a loser or aren't good enough. You are the genuine author who puts naughty lyrics to a catchy tune. You are the one who makes us all feel worthless and alone and like failures. I really don't like you, you know that? You really get on my nerves.
I have faith in the idea that Sister Julie B. Beck counseled. You can count on me to do everything in MY POWER to keep YOU out of my home because I care that all of us acquire and strengthen our own testimonies of Jesus Christ. I care that we remember that we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us. I care that we keep our covenants. I care that we are surrounding ourselves with wholesome and uplifting things. I care that we are good friends as well as choose friends with high gospel standards. I care that we learn to love and serve each other. I care that we follow the prophet. I care that we have a desire to represent Jesus Christ and serve a mission to share the gospel with others. I care that we understand that the Family is of God. I care that we hold fast to the knowledge that marriage is between a man and a women that love, honor, and devote themselves to each other. I care that we are preparing ourselves to go to the temple. I care that we keep the commandments and are honest, hard working, and humble. I care that we know how much power can come through scripture study and prayer. I care that we care about good grades and want to continue learning for the rest of our lives. I care that we participate in activities that will keep our bodies healthy and strong. I care that we acquire talents that will give us confidence now and the ability to serve later. ALL of this matters to ME! So watch out, "You're gonna hear me Roar…louder than a lion cause I am a champion."
Sincerely,
Jodi Parker
p.s. Please thank your friend, Katy Perry for the chorus of her new song that I quoted above… It reminds me of being the Lioness at the gate of my home. Actually, while you're at it, will you let her know that I am NOT a fan of her morals or dress code. Thanks that will be all. 🙂