There is so much to learn from the Weasley matriarch, and the world could really use a heavy dose of Molly’s compassion, ferocity, and most of all, hope.

Throughout the seven Potter novels, Molly Weasley appears time and time again to help guide Harry through the toughest days of his life, and give him a mother-figure to lean on for those times when only a mother’s love can do the trick. Molly Weasley is Harry’s sole model for motherhood in the Wizarding world, having spent a childhood suffering neglect and outright hostility at the hands of Petunia Dursley.

Just like Harry, there is so much we can learn from Molly Weasley, and a little dose of her authentic, pure love is just what the world needs. Here are a few of Molly’s more poignant qualities, and why we think they are so important for the world right now.

Compassion

When it comes to compassion and understanding, Molly Weasley is more than a role model, she’s a shiny beacon of both. She’s managed to raise seven children who understand how the world should work, and has shown them forgiveness and understanding no matter what crazy shenanigans they’ve been up to.

Her compassion is probably most evident as Harry is first introduced to the family. She immediately welcomes him to the fold, and knows that what he needs most from her is a motherly figure, capable of love and eager to help with all the things mothers are best at. She, and the rest of the Weasleys don’t moon over the famous Harry Potter, but instead, include him in all the family drama and functions.

Harry is never without a home to go to for holidays or in crisis. Whether she’s welcoming him at the Burrow, or busy trying to make Grimmauld Place feel homey, Harry knows that Molly Weasley will always be there with a compassionate ear and a hug.

Ferocity

When one thinks of Molly Weasley, undoubtedly, the first thing that comes to mind is the infamous, “NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!” The line, from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, illustrates the ferocity with which Molly Weasley defends those she has claimed as her own. That fact will never be questioned.

In addition to using her ferocity to feed her mother bear nature, she also uses it to keep her children from stepping too far over the line. There are lots of ways to be a good mother, but Molly’s tactic of utilizing fear and adoration in equal measure is part of why she is so effective a mom. She wants her children to love her, and they do, but that love is partially due to a healthy respect and fear for her wrath.

While Fred and George may not have as healthy a fear, both Ron and Ginny know just how passionately their mother feels about their behavior. The Howler Ron recieves in his second year at Hogwarts is just one illustration of her ferocity for her children. She literally couldn’t contain her disappointment in Ron’s wreckless behavior, and she knew that giving him a dose of her ferocity in that moment would drive the point home. Children misbehave, it’s how they learn, but they must also know when they’ve gone too far.

Hope

Molly Weasley never loses hope. She never believes that all is lost. She continues to fight despite the loss of her son in the Battle of Hogwarts. She and her husband never give up despite their lack of fortune. The Weasleys are an eternally hopeful bunch, and they get that from their mother.

No matter what enemy she’s up against, whether it’s pureblood privilege, Voldemort, or something else altogether, Molly Weasley doesn’t know when to quit. She will persevere and carry on no matter who stands in her way.

Whether times are dark or light, Molly Weasley refuses to let evil win. She pushed forward with a wedding despite rumors and increased suspicion of Voldemort’s forces rising to power. She takes her children on a lovely holiday with their lottery winnings, rather than buying a new home or worrying about others’ impressions of her. She has hope that the world will band together to conquer evil in all its forms, whether its a wizard or simply predjudice.

If we could all just be a little more like Molly…

If we could all embody Molly Weasley’s best qualities, the world would be a better place. If we could manage to dig deep and find a fraction of her compassion, ferocity, and hope, we could change things for the better. She raised seven children, all of which have a healthy respect and understanding for what makes each of us different and special, even if it took longer for one of them to embrace it.

Molly Weasley is the best of us. She’s a burst of love and hope in a dark world, and if we all took the time to consider how Molly Weasley would handle things, this world would be a far more welcoming, and well fed, place.