As we read about Moroni, not only can we learn about this great and godly man, but we can discern the character of the women who influenced him for good. I believe that like Captain Moroni, and the description of him in Alma 48:11-13 and 17, these women were "strong and mighty" in bearing testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were women of great understanding, having a knowledge of the plan of salvation and their part in the plan. But they also found "joy in liberty and freedom," and recognized that there is sometimes a price to pay to remain free from bondage and slavery.

They were grateful, praising God "for the many privileges and blessing which he bestowed upon" them. They labored "exceedingly for the welfare" of those around them, giving themselves in selfless service. They were "firm in the faith of Christ" and in defense of individual rights and liberty. They "kept the commandments" and "resisted iniquity."

Certainly there were also great men in Moroni's life. It is inconsistent with the gospel to deny the importance of both righteous men and righteous women. But we can never overestimate the power of a mother, a primary caregiver, a mentor, to influence, and teach, and to raise up a son before whom "the very powers of hell" did shake.

I would recommend to each woman in the church a simple but empowering exercise each time you open the scriptures. Although there are many wonderful stories about women, a reader can sometimes study many pages without encountering a female — or so we think. That is until we recognize that women can be seen everywhere in the pages of the scriptures once we bring women from the shadows into the light.

And this leads us to our exercise. Each time we read about a righteous man in the scriptures, begin by asking, "What character traits does this man display?" Make a mental or a written list. Next, ask yourself, "What righteous attributes did this man observe in the lives of the women who nurtured him, who taught him, and who created an environment where his faith and testimony could grow?"

We return to where we began. What does God expect of women in the world today? What does he expect of women in His Church? More critically, how do we, as women, learn what Christ would have us "be" and "do"? The answers to these questions truly do abound in the scriptures. As Sister Beck counseled, "Read the scriptures."