Episode 155: To the Children of the Mothers in Zion | A Conversation with Susie Augenstein
For Latter-day Saint women in 1987, expectations outlined by the prophet were explicit: “Mothers in Zion,” he said, “Your God-given roles are so vital to your own exaltation and to the salvation and exaltation of your family.” In episode 155, Susan and Cynthia are joined by Susie Augenstein to break down the messaging mothers received then and have raised children in the shadows of since. It’s no wonder shifts in faith cause strain within families. This conversation is aimed at helping children of women who took President Benson’s words to heart understand why their mothers may sometimes fall into the trap of thinking they’re completely in charge of getting the whole family into heaven.
Notes & Quotes:
You can find Susie Augenstein on Facebook here and on Instagram here
To the Mothers in Zion, by Ezra Taft Bension, 2/22/1987
ALSSI Episode 29, Ask Me Again Tomorrow
The lasting impact of Benson's "To the Mothers in Zion" with Valerie Hamaker from Latter Day Struggles, Ask Dr. Julie Hanks Podcast, 8/22/2023
Loving the Whole Self, Center for Action and Contemplation, 4/25/2016
“We only have the courage to face our deep illusions when we are entirely loved and accepted by God or by somebody who acts as God toward us. So, with great irony, our faults are the crack that lets grace in, exactly as the Gospel teaches. We must bring our root sin to consciousness rather than deny or repress it. We can only heal our wound with kindness and compassion, not judgment and condemnation.” —Richard Rohr