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Covenant Motherhood

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Even the most devoted mom can feel overwhelmed and discouraged in the daily trenches of family service. But she can find power in her seemingly endless and ordinary tasks when she sees how they symbolize her covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. In this insightful exploration of domestic life, Stephanie Dibb Sorensen shows how everything a mother does, from folding laundry and washing dishes to refereeing arguments and taking temperatures, is designed to bear record of the Savior’s atoning mission. Through scriptural exploration and personal experience, she illustrates how the ongoing chaos of an active home enables a mother to develop the Lord’s attributes as a creator, teacher, healer, provider, and cleanser—thus giving her the opportunity to do for her family, on a smaller scale, what Christ does for the human family.

[Release Date in March 2013]

114 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

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425 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Dibb Sorensen

6 books37 followers
STEPHANIE DIBB SORENSEN teaches in the department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. She has presented at BYU Education Week, RootsTech, Especially for Youth, and BYU Women’s Conference. She lives with her husband Matt, their three children, and a disgruntled cat in the foothills of the Utah mountains. She loves reading, writing, and teaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ. General conference is her love language. Stephanie has a fondness for travel, restaurants, milk chocolate, rolling green hills, warm socks, and happy conversation with friends. She believes most problems can be solved with a good nap. When she’s not writing or preparing for teaching or speaking, she can often be found creating chore charts and living according to the dictates of the family calendar.

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5 stars
192 (69%)
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66 (24%)
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16 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 6 books37 followers
March 17, 2013
Maybe it's silly to review my own book, but this rating represents the things I learned as I prepared to write Covenant Motherhood and how much those truths have helped me in my own mothering journey.

What is my hope for this book? Well, I just really want mothers to know that what they are doing for their families matters so much. It matters to God. It matters to their children. It matters for generations to come. And I want them to know that it’s okay if being a mom is hard. So much of what moms do is a reflection of what Jesus Christ did for us, and that was not easy work, but the sacrifice makes us more like Him and He will help us. I guess I really hope that they can feel what I have felt as I have learned about the doctrines associated with motherhood, and that somehow that testimony can help them face the daily ins and outs of motherhood--even the really cruddy and exhausting parts--with more courage and purpose and joy. That’s a tall order, isn’t it? But that’s my hope. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Becca.
100 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2013
I don't often buy books aimed at LDS women because they tend to lack a lot of substance. Covenant Motherhood is the opposite. The author has carefully gathered and presented powerful insights about the doctrine of motherhood and how it relates to the Savior, his mission, and his ministry. It is really intelligently written, and she articulates things in a way that will make you stop and say "Even though I knew that, I'd never really thought of it that way before." As I finished each section, I found that it had changed the way I looked at myself and my family--which changed my behavior. It is powerful. Read it with a highlighter and notebook. My husband read it, as well, and we have found a lot to discuss in each section. It ranks up there with I am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson as one of the best LDS book purchases I've ever made.
Profile Image for Jessica.
981 reviews
July 1, 2013
I was very hesitant about this book. I am so glad that I read it anyway!
This book spoke to my heart. Each chapter took a quality of Christ and compared it to mothering (like cleaning). I have so much to think about. I am encouraged to do a better job as a mother.
This is the best pat on the back that my mother-in-law could have sent me.
Profile Image for Heather.
468 reviews13 followers
July 23, 2013
One night, while contemplating all the seemingly insignificant things I do as a mother (the never-ending laundry, the seemingly-endless clean-up), I had an epiphany and realized that through even the most mundane of tasks I am showing love for my family and moving further along the path toward becoming like the Savior. Maybe other parents figure this out much sooner than I did, but for me it took four years of motherhood to realize that all those mind-numbingly boring yet necessary tasks that come as a part of motherhood really do matter--along with all the things that I already knew mattered (teaching, loving, comforting, etc.).

Two days later, I saw this book at Costco, picked it up, read the back cover, and felt like this book could have been written just for me. While there are a few things that bothered me about this book--unevenness in the quality of writing and thinking across the chapters, occasional disjointedness between quotes included and the author's own writing, and some definite stretches (this one was the worst, and actually made me cringe: "Any mother who has somehow created a meal out of two or three random ingredients from her scant pantry has, on some level, participated in the miracle of the loaves and fishes," p. 28)--there is so much that is profound, helpful, and uplifting in this book. It's one I will revisit again, and again, and again, and I feel like I'm a better mother for having read, thought about, and applied the multitude of powerful truths contained therein. I also commend the author for her unabashed honesty about her own experiences in mothering. I highly recommend this book to any Christian mother.
Profile Image for Anna.
988 reviews
May 7, 2013
This was a great book to read the week before Mother's Day. I've heard it expressed many different ways, but I liked Stephanie's succinct description: "Motherhood is a messy symphony of joy and discouragement, satisfaction and guilt, determination and exhaustion, faith and fear" (page 3). My understanding of my motherly role has expanded and deepened thanks to the unique perspective offered here.

I would recommend Covenant Motherhood to any mother of the LDS faith, especially moms with young children. (Friends, I would be happy to lend you my copy if you'd like to read it.)
Profile Image for Elspeth.
108 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2013
A great book for moms that compares different aspects of motherhood to the Savior.
I liked that it wasn't about time saving tricks, or feel good stories which I don't like about other books for moms.
Being a mom is so hard and so worth it because you are building something eternal, your family.
I found this book inspiring and will read it again.
Profile Image for Angie.
824 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2014
I STUGGLE with parenting books, they make me feel guilty. But I LOVED this book. Such a thoughtful, hopeful, and loving way to look at parenting. This made me want to be a better parent in a way no other book has.
Profile Image for Cara.
224 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2013
I love, love, LOVE this book! This is such a good book that I bought one for all of my friends. This book does not make you feel guilty or feel like you will never be a good mother. She teaches you and gives examples how we are exemplifying the Savior in the small things we do. She helped me to realize that I am doing ok even on my bad days. She gives me that boost and motivation I need. She doesn't give you parenting tips or tell you that "if you don't do this then you are wrong"...or "if you do this then you are wrong." She gently shares her experiences as a mother and then shares her insights from Christ's life and how His work parallels our work. I used to think that the Savior couldn't possibly know what it is like to be a mother. (not being a woman or having children of his own) but she has helped me to understand that he does know and that he is here to help us. Anyway, whether you are a new mom or a seasoned mom this book is fabulous and every mother should read it! Seriously, you will want a highlighter and you will want it near your scriptures!
Profile Image for Jenny Proctor.
Author 39 books2,183 followers
Read
August 31, 2023
I loved this book so very much. There is wisdom and love and a beautiful perspective on motherhood within its pages. I felt strengthened and encouraged as I read and was reminded to recognize the divine in the daily tasks that fill my mothering. This is definitely a keeper and a great one to pass on to all mothers.
Profile Image for Karyn Tripp.
Author 7 books20 followers
May 20, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book! It is inspiring and uplifting, reminding me of why my job as a mother is so important. Each chapter compares our work as mothers to Christ. I was so touched by this book and highly recommend it to any woman!
Profile Image for Jessica.
133 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2015
Excellent book! I almost never give a 5-star rating, but this one definitely deserved it because it so beautifully defines motherhood and points the way to understanding how we are like Jesus Christ, and how we become more like Christ through our mothering. Definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Isabell.
263 reviews9 followers
April 20, 2015
I've been meaning to add a few thoughts for a while now, but somehow haven't really known what to say. I'm not entirely sure why I felt kind of defeated after finishing the book. It is written for LDS mothers with young children at home, so I'm definitely in the target group. It's meant to make young moms feel good about themselves, telling them that the things they do everyday, including those mundane chores that come with house-keeping and child-raising, matter and are symbolic of Christ's mission here on earth. "Motherhood is hard work," the author writes, "and that's okay."

There were some things that I really enjoyed. I loved the anecdotes she told about her family life; they were genuine and funny. I think those storytelling moments were the strongest part of the book and I might have gotten more out of it if the book had included more of those. Whenever she allowed me into the context of her personal revelations, I could appreciate them more.

There were some really great thoughts about Jesus. I loved when she said, "if Jesus would come over to visit, he'd help me fold laundry and we'd talk about deep things." And I really enjoyed the first chapter.

I loved the title of the book, Covenant Motherhood, but I think it is a bit misleading. I expected some sort of analysis of the old covenants, some profound insights into the mission of the matriarchs, Sarah, Rebekah, etc, the temple, etc, but was left with a term that was never really defined.

Instead of delving into that rich word, "covenant," the author uses it somewhat carelessly around words such as cleaning, cooking, changing diapers, etc. And while her point may have been to elevate the mundane to the divine, an attempt that I appreciate, I just ended up feeling like the divine might be kind of mundane and questioning whether I want that kind of divine in my life. There was so much focus on the chores of a housewife and their spiritual significance that I really felt like I'm not a good covenant-keeper because I'm not a better house-wife.

Here is the thing. Motherhood, raising children, is about guiding them, loving them, nurturing them. Can we please stop talking about household chores as women's-only territory and start talking about that instead?

I wish there would have been more of a discussion about the things that matter most, you know? The tears dried, soft words spoken, the warmth of a mother's embrace. In fact, as this book is about symbolism, maybe women get nauseous and exhausted during pregnancy to teach them that nurturing a child, forming it, building it, is more important than making the nursery look pretty. And maybe nursing is so time- and energy-intensive to show them that snuggling up on the couch with your little one is more important than doing the dishes. Do those things need to be done? Sure, but I don't believe for a second that it's mothers or women-only that need to do them.

And it may be that the author was trying to say all those things. It's just that, in all that talk of the heaps of laundry and the refreshments that need to be baked for the husband's social function (wait... what?!), that message she may have wanted to impart got kind of lost on me.



Profile Image for Cami.
Author 2 books15 followers
October 10, 2013
Every LDS mother, especially those with young children, needs to read this book. It is enlightening and insightful. It may be short but the Spirit radiates through its pages. As I read it, I couldn't stop thinking about people I wanted to share this book with--it has such wisdom! I love the parallels she draws between Jesus' attributes and motherhood; it puts new meaning to the words "I'm trying to be like Jesus."

Some of the anecdotes are reminiscent of "I Am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson (which I loved!), but this book has more doctrinal parallels and prophetic quotations.

I am amazed at how the author looks at her kids and then scriptures echo in her mind. It makes me want to study the gospel more frequently so I can have those promptings and make similar connections more often as well. Stephanie Sorensen is definitely blessed with the gift of insight and the ability to convey truth simply but powerfully. She is one who thinks oft of Christ, knows his stories, and applies the principles.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,372 reviews39 followers
September 26, 2013
This was inspiring and based on scripture and quotes by leaders of the church. It examined how, we, as mothers emulate the Savior and have many of the same roles He had. It uplifted and inspired me without making me feel guilty. It reminded me how important my role as a mother is.
21 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2013
This book is a quick read, but with some very deep and profound truths that you will find yourself pondering days after you have read it. I opened this book when it arrived in the mail and finished it the next morning. I laughed and thought. A lot. Now that I have finished it, I am going back, and I reading it a different way -- I am reading a chapter on Sunday and pondering on it for a week and looking for experiences during the week that I can relate to that chapter. It has been so enlightening, and has helped me to approach motherhood differently.

I hate laundry. I hate cooking dinner. Every. Single. Night. I despise the dishes and would be happy to never have to mop a floor again. Having said that, reading this book made me realize that all of those things can be, for me, a moment to remember what the Savior has done for me, and to help me to become like Him. It has taught me to look for the sublime in the drudgery of every day life. As I read the account of Moses and the children of Israel in the bible, I bemoan the fact that they fail to see God's hand in the providence of Manna -- to me it seems like such an obvious gift from heaven. I silently criticize them for shutting their eyes to the hand of the Lord in their lives, but this book has taught me that perhaps I have been as blind as they have. This book is easy to read, and not at all "preachy". It is obvious that Stephanie has the same daily frustrations and "moments" as other moms, and just wants to share some of what she has learned about why Motherhood is so close to the Divine.

I highly recommend this book to moms everywhere. A great mother's day gift.
Profile Image for Erin.
903 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2014
Not often do you read a book that relates the covenants we make as women with the examples Jesus Christ gave us in his teachings and in his life. This is a very unique way of looking at Motherhood. I enjoyed the fact that the author gave her insights and then left it as that. No hint of "you should, you should not". Thank you!!

Although I had never thought of my role as a mother similar to the life of Jesus Christ, as it is pointed out, it makes sense. I appreciate the end notes. I went back and read a lot of the talks that she quotes from. Good supplemental reading!!
Profile Image for Matt.
165 reviews
March 18, 2013
I highly recommend this book for mothers everywhere, but especially those who may question their own self worth, or struggle with feelings of inadequacy. The text helps the reader better understand the divine role mothers fill in God's plan for His children, that mothering is His work, and while not always easy or pleasant, it is saving and exalting.
3 reviews
May 16, 2014
A lot of books about motherhood just make me feel guilty. They make me feel like there is more I should be doing or that there are things I am doing wrong.
This book wasn't like that for me. I feel like it was very encouraging and uplifting. It supported all of the little things that women do everyday for their families.
Profile Image for Natalee.
4 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2020
Reading this book was like hitting a refresh button for me. After a long time of quarantine and endless messes this book helped me see the joy and satisfaction in the everyday small tasks. I loved the references to Christ.
148 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and you are a mom - or soon will be a mom, this is a great read. I truly loved it. It was a gift from my mom and it makes me grateful for my life and the opportunity I have to be a mom right now.
28 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2014
Amazing and beautiful book. It really changed my outlook on motherhood and parenting!
Profile Image for Leslie Books and Socks Rock.
893 reviews22 followers
October 13, 2014
Just the book I needed! This is for anyone who feels their never-ending care of taking care of children isn't appreciated or that they aren't doing enough.
2 reviews
June 10, 2021
I feel like I should read this book about once a month as a good reminder. It is such a great book.
Profile Image for Lauryn Hixon.
132 reviews
January 15, 2024
I really loved this book!! A beautiful book on how motherhood exemplifies Christlike attributes! I loved her stories and was a really inspiring and relatable book ❤️
19 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2025
This book has the answers and support for a new mother that I was longing for. Loved all the comparisons of motherhood to the Savior and His role. Uplifting, validating, and inspiring.
1 review
April 2, 2020
This is the first review I have ever written about anything. I would just like to say what a perfect book this is for mothers. This book never added more things to my too full to-do list, it just helped me see everything I'm already doing with a more positive, focused, meaningful perspective. The content and set-up of the book was just perfect for a mother. Each chapter was short enough to read while eating breakfast but packed with just the right level of substance to give me something worthwhile to think about for the rest of the day. It also had a perfect balance of doctrine/theory and real life examples.
Because my personal journey with motherhood does not fit into any traditional boxes, it is very easy for me to feel hurt, excluded, or useless by much that is written on motherhood - but I came away from this book feeling nothing but understood, valued, and empowered to keep moving forward on my journey. Many thanks to the author for this insightful and considerate contribution, and for all the work and sacrifice which must have accompanied it.
Profile Image for Ashley.
293 reviews7 followers
September 21, 2015
Covenant Motherhood discusses the nature of motherhood and how we can learn to be more Christlike through our mothering experiences. Sorensen describes several of Jesus Christ's qualities and provides examples of how parenting guides us through the process of becoming more like the Savior. The first time I picked up this book, I put it down again within 20 pages. It was several months before my son's diagnosis, and one of the first chapters discussed the enduring nature of Jesus Christ, that He never gives up and never screams or forces us to follow Him, that He is always kind and patient. Because of where I was emotionally at that time, I just couldn't keep going with the book when it felt like I was a total failure as a covenant mother.

Fast forward a year or so, and I picked it up again, as I hoped I would when I put it down. Things had calmed down with my son, and at least we knew what was going on and some of the things that could help him. I didn't feel like I was constantly drowning anymore, but I also knew I needed the perspective this book offered. As I got into the book (it still took me a few chapters to get the bad taste from my first attempt), I realized how spot-on Sorensen was. My favorite section talked about a hypothetical surprise visit from Christ to our homes. Most of us would probably feel inadequate and embarrassed by the state of things in our homes, but Jesus likely wouldn't care too much about it. In fact, He'd probably come sit down on the floor with us as we folded laundry. There were numerous lessons for me about the nature of Christ's love and how that relates to my love and expectations and parenting of my children. There was a lot to think about, but God's love for me and my family came through each page. Instead of feeling inadequate, I felt encouraged to do better, and the task didn't feel so impossible.
Profile Image for Tryn.
116 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2017
What I liked most about his book were the parallels between motherhood and the Savior’s role.

The Savior created a world for us. We create a world for our children as we create a home for them.

The Savior said, “Feed my lambs.” We do this in a literal way as we make meals for his children.

The Savior yokes himself to us through our covenants. A mother yokes herself to her child to help him through the growing process. We are yoked with our children in their struggles.

The Savior protects and defends people. He stood up for the woman caught in adultery and the man blind since birth. He stands up for us as our advocate. We are the defenders of our children and our homes.

The Savior cleanses. We are in a continual process of making things clean, from laundry to dishes to little hands and faces.

Jesus loves of tenderly and patiently. The tenderness of children is correlated to the tenderness of mothers.

Jesus takes our offering and makes it enough. A mother tells her child, “It’s okay to make mistakes when you are learning,” when he is learning to write or play an instrument. The same is true for mothers. It’s okay for us to make mistakes when we are learning to be mothers. Be gentle with yourself and rely on the Savior.





1 review1 follower
October 24, 2014
I am a mother of a teen and 21 yr. old but one is always a mother. Whether your children are at home or away your influence is felt and is important. Last year for Mother's Day I gave this book to all my friends and family regardless of the age of their children. This is a MUST READ for every mother, teacher, and person who wants to be a positive influence in the lives of children around them. It is not just for mothers who have young children. The principles are applicable to so many realms or seasons of life. It is artfully written but easily understood. The author presents material and experiences in such a way that it incites a good laugh, then later brings you to profound self realizations and reflections, and ultimately inspires you, not through guilt or judgement,but rather through vision and perspective. It speaks of many basic and fundamental truths that we all know or have experienced. However, the author helps us make those connections of the everyday things with the greater consequences of covenant motherhood whether that be with our own children, children we teach or other children we are blessed to have an association with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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