Many people have already experienced genealogy or family history in one way or another. You've probably seen the commercials for big websites like Ancestry or Family Search. If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, your first family history lessons in the Church began in primary when you learned that families can be together forever. This is the essence of all the family history work you will ever do.
The process of seeking out your ancestors is one that is exciting. You would be amazed at the stories I’ve encountered. I have developed an extended appreciation for all those who have come before me, especially my pioneer ancestors. I had family members who crossed the plains in the Joseph W. Young Company, the Thomas C.D. Howell Company, and the Jesse Murphy company. All of these ancestors shared stories with their families which have since been passed on to me. It is fascinating and inspiring to know that my dear ancestors gave up all they had to cross the plains to a better life with divine intervention and inspiration of the Lord.
It wouldn’t be effective if I didn’t share with you the blessings of seeking after our ancestors. The prophet Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.” Our Heavenly Father knows the importance of this work and has blessed us with the spirit of Elijah. Elder Russel M. Nelson taught that the spirit of Elijah is a “manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family.” I’ve often been approached by many who have told me they struggle with family history. In my experience with family history, it helps to always to pray to feel the spirit of Elijah and never set yourself up to be discouraged or unwilling. Know that family history is never done. I have worked with families who have been LDS on both sides since the dawn of time, and they were not finished.
In the late Richard G. Scott’s General Conference talk, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead” he says “Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.”
The scriptures are no stranger to emphasizing the importance of this work. In Hebrews 11:40 it states, “They without us should not be made perfect.” These eight words are extremely powerful. Without us, our ancestors who did not receive or accept the gospel in this life cannot be made perfect. This is a sacred responsibility that we have to them. They are counting on us to help them progress spiritually. If we do not do it, it will not be done. In Doctrine and Covenants Chapter 128 verse 15, it states, “neither can we without our dead be made perfect.” We have a responsibility to them, and the Lord will hold us accountable for that responsibility.
One of my favorite talks from Henry B. Eyring, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, is called "Hearts Bound Together.". In it, he says one of the most powerful statements about family history that has stuck with me. “Remember that the names which will be so difficult to find are of real people to whom you owe your existence in this world and whom you will meet again in the spirit world. When you were baptized, your ancestors looked down on you with hope. Perhaps after centuries, they rejoiced to see one of their descendants make a covenant to find them and to offer them freedom.” This next portion is the piece that resonates with me on a daily basis. “In your reunion, you will see in their eyes gratitude or terrible disappointment. Their hearts are bound to you. Their hope is in your hands. You will have more than your own strength as you choose to labor on to find them.” The time will come when we are united once again with our ancestors. Let that moment be a precious moment of extreme gratitude from them for your work, not disappointment as you knew you could have helped and chose not to.
The wise David A. Bednar, also member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church once said, “As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.”
As members of the Church, and even nonmembers, always remember the importance of your family history.
