Single and Childless? How to Keep God’s Command to be Fruitful, Multiply and Replenish Without Having Babies

A couple of weeks ago in Relief Society, I said something that turned a few heads.

The conversation had turned—as it often does—to motherhood being the highest calling for women. And I raised my hand and said:

“The point of this life is not to get married and have babies. The point of this life is to prepare to meet Jesus Christ.”

Bold, right? But let me explain.

I absolutely believe that part of God’s plan of salvation includes families. I'm here because my parents fulfilled that command. I honor and respect that. But I also know this: Not every woman becomes a wife or a mother. And I just can’t believe that if she doesn’t, she’s somehow less-than or unable to progress spiritually.

You and I both know what it’s like to sit through Sacrament Meeting or a ward activity and feel invisible because we’re not married with children. We’re a family-centered church—and I get that. But we’re also a gospel-of-Jesus-Christ-centered church. And that means everyone belongs. You matter. Your contribution matters. Whether you're single, divorced, widowed, or childless—you are not less than.

Let’s dig into one of the most quoted scriptures in the Church: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” For years, that verse hurt. It felt like a reminder of what I wasn’t doing. But today, I want to show you how you’re already keeping that command—and how you can keep it even more, right now, in your singleness.

1. Be Fruitful 🍇

Being fruitful isn’t just about having children—it’s about producing good things. In the scriptures, “fruit” is often a metaphor for spiritual growth: the fruit of the Spirit, the fruits of righteousness.

You’re being fruitful when you:

• Bear testimony

• Share truth and love

• Lift burdens

• Bring light into a dark place

• Create beauty, wisdom, or joy

I think of a past client who shows up week after week to teach Primary and share her testimony. Or the single woman who’s first to volunteer for a service project. Or the countless women using their education to serve as therapists, engineers, teachers, artists, and nurses. That’s fruitfulness. That’s growth, contribution, and abundance.

Ask yourself: What am I producing with my life? Not in terms of a family tree—but in terms of love, faith, and purpose.

2. Multiply ✨

“Multiply” doesn’t just mean “have babies.” It also means to expand, duplicate, and share what you’ve been given.

You multiply every time you:

• Teach with the Spirit

• Share your story to help another sister heal

• Start something that grows—like a blog, business, or book

• Choose faith over fear

• Speak truth that brings clarity and peace

This is influence. This is spiritual multiplication. You may not be multiplying with your body—but you are multiplying with your spirit.

How many “thumbs up” can you give yourself right now?

3. Replenish the Earth 🌎

To replenish means to restore, renew, nourish, and bring life. Yes, having children does that—but so does healing, helping, and creating.

You’re replenishing the earth when you:

• Heal from your past and help others do the same

• Serve in your calling with love and vision

• Write words of encouragement

• Create art or music that uplifts

• Share your perspective in Relief Society and expand the conversation

You don’t need a baby blanket to replenish the world. You just need a heart willing to restore light, love, and hope.

You’re in Good Company

Think of women like Sheri Dew, Sharon Eubank, Mary Ellen Edmunds, and Kristine Yee. These women—single, childless, powerful—have fulfilled God’s command in remarkable ways. You’re not an outlier. You’re not broken. You're not behind.

You’re a command keeper.

Let me say it another way:

✅ To be fruitful is to grow.
✅ To multiply is to share that growth.
✅ To replenish is to bring goodness back into the world.

And none of that requires a wedding ring or a baby.

Want Help Living That Truth?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. There are three simple ways we can stay connected and help you walk this path with more clarity and confidence:

1. Join my free private Facebook group – an encouraging space for single LDS women.

2. Become an Insider – get bonus resources and behind-the-scenes support straight to your inbox. Just head to sharonlamarcoaching.com/Insider.

3. Book a complimentary 1:1 consult – let’s talk about what’s next for you. Visit sharonlamarcoaching.com/bookasession.

You’re not missing God’s plan. You’re living it—one fruit-filled act at a time. 💛