Why you need to know your Family History

 

Image by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: media resources 

Knowing your family history will make you a better Christian and bring you closer to God.

One way to make people feel more connected to who they are is to learn about where they are coming from, who their ancestors were, what they do, and from what country they are.

I’m a history enthusiast. My service project was, of course, about Family History, but it was not just that; in my ward, many people were not working on their family history, and the real problem was if they did not work on their family history, how could they send names to the Templo?

This was a real problem, and after analyzing it, I created four ways to approach the solution.

• First, I need help from the Family Search Consultant.
• Second, I need a list of new and old members who must work on their Family History.
• Third, I need POP materials to distribute to the members.
• Fourth, work one by one with the members.

At the end of the project, I helped six members start their Family History on FamilySearch. They created an account and started their family tree. I learned the importance of serving others, the fulfillment of accomplishing something for others; there is no higher calling than to help others, as our savior Jesus Christ instructed us to ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.’ Matthew 22: 39

In the study Family History by David Velleman, I found that life's meaning is essential and influenced by biological ties. More specifically, knowing one's relatives, and especially one's parents, provides a kind of self-knowledge that is of irreplaceable value in identity formation. These claims lead me to the conclusion that it is immoral to create children with the intention that they are alienated from their biological relatives—for example, by donor conception. Family History, J. David Velleman, Pages 357-378

I also find a great quote: Our ancestors’ stories are our stories, and they continue with questions to reflect on how we got where we are, where we got our most important traits, and why we look the way we look. When we discover more about our great-grandparents, we learn more about ourselves. Not only that, but we can understand the sacrifices of our ancestors, learn from their examples, and feel close to people we never knew.  “Come unto Christ, Family History.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Original publication unknown)

What a powerful message to all! Through Family History, we can understand our ancestors' sacrifices, learn from them, and appreciate all they did for us.

Knowing your family history is a crucial part of any identity. Knowing where your ancestors came from, their culture, how they lived, why they migrated, or why they stayed where they stayed can give a more profound sense of belonging. It’s a way of understanding the historical and cultural contexts that have influenced your values, traditions, and life.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put the family at the forefront of their lives. Nothing can be more important to them than the family there through thick and thin and will be until eternity. The Latter-day Saints believe that families last forever and that connections with family members are irreplaceable. A family comprises still-living members and people who are part of one’s full ancestry, like grandparents, forefathers, predecessors, and those who’ve gone before us. Family history is a great way to connect with all generations of our family.   The Importance of Family History to Latter-day Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Original publication unknown)

Humans desire attachment, belonging, and connection. The relationships we form with other people can be incredibly durable, not only with people in our present but also with people in our past and future. The more we discover about our past, the greater our connection to our ancestors. As we record our history, we open the opportunity for future generations to connect with us when we are gone. By Rachel Coleman (September 26, 2017)  Why We Need Family History Now More Than Ever | FamilySearch Blog

Researching and preserving your Family History allows you to leave a legacy for future generations. It’s a gift to your children and grandchildren, giving them life continuity. By passing down family stories, you ensure your family understands their roots, their ancestors' challenges, and how those challenges shaped their opportunities, giving them a sense of pride and shared purpose.

Sharing your family’s history can create connections between relatives. Family stories can spark new conversations and encourage reunions. Even if there are branches of your family you haven't connected with for years, discovering shared histories and mutual ancestors can bring them closer together.

Your family history isn't just about the past; it's a living part of who you are. It connects you to your heritage, provides insights, strengthens family bonds, and gives you a sense of purpose and identity.

Whether you’re discovering triumphs or tragedies, knowing where you come from can inspire you, inform your future, and deepen your understanding of yourself.

Take time to learn about your Family's Story. It is not trivial; it is an essential part of your life that can bring joy and revelations you couldn’t imagine.

 

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