The Lasting Impact of Benson’s “To The Mothers in Zion” with Valerie Hamaker from Latter Day Struggles

For this special episode of the Ask Dr. Julie Hanks podcast, I sat down with Valerie Hamaker of the Latter Day Struggles podcast and discussed the talk “To the Mothers in Zion” by President Ezra Taft Benson. This talk played a significant role in shaping our development and faith—and we had a lot to share.

Valerie and I discussed how as a result of this talk, many Latter-day Saint women felt they had no choice but to be stay-at-home mothers. For some of these women, this meant abandoning professional or educational aspirations in pursuit of a life someone else decided they should live. 

And for those who decided to have a career—women like myself—things weren’t any easier. As a result of the conflict between President Benson’s words and my own God-given desire to be a therapist, I have carried a lot of shame and confusion throughout my life. Was I sinning by living the life that I want to live?

Motherhood is an amazing and beautiful thing to be a part of. Motherhood is also a choice. In fact, it is one of many choices. We can value motherhood and trust women’s desires to also have hobbies, careers, education, and more. One does not have to come at the expense of the other.

During our conversation, I mention my TEDx talk. You can watch it here.