This talk is different in many respects from others that I have summarized in the past. For example, the references for this talk are not at the bottom of the page, they are embedded in the text. That is important here as I’m sure if he were teaching this as a class of a smaller group and with more time, we would have read each reference as we listened. As a teacher, I would approach this talk to any family or group this way:
- I would ask that each member of the group have access to at least the first five generations of their family on a pedigree chart.
- Then, with that in hand with a parent or class leader, read this talk carefully and glean the actions you each should take, listing them on paper or a board for reference.
- Afterward, over the next years, make available time for reports on progress for you and your family to feel the Spirit of Elijah.
The words in the paragraph before his heading, The Spirit and Work of Elijah, can be documented by what has happened in the world. Almost 50 years ago, Elder Stewart and I were led by the Spirit to encounter the President of the Genealogical Society of Brasil, Salvador de Moya at his home. He was not a member of the Church but had been guided in his interest in gathering and making available records of Brasil. That is a longer story that I would be happy to share at some other time.
Elder Bednar addressed the youth, young women, young men and children and asked them to get involved. Then he told you how to get involved; “The Lord has made available in our day remarkable resources that enable you to learn about and love this work that is sparked by the Spirit of Elijah. For example, FamilySearch is a collection of records, resources, and services easily accessible with personal computers and a variety of handheld devices, designed to help people discover and document their family history.” We all joke that when we have a problem with a computer or device to “go ask your son or daughter” for help.
These blessings are important to ponder and discuss:
- 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.
- You will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.
What a wonderful program this talk sets out for our families. When Shirlyn and I return to the US we want to use some of our time in this great work. We have many names already but there are challenges on many lines and with all these new great tools we will be more effective.
- How did your family respond to this talk?
- Did a member of your family begin to feel the Spirit of Elijah mentioned here?
- Which one?
1 comment:
As I iistened to Elder Bednar I thought of all my wonderful grandchildren getting the spirit and learning about who they really are and to love their heritage. When Jim and I married and he said he would like for us to spend each Sunday afternoon or evening working on our genealogy - I thought, "What have I married?" BUT as I typed out individual people's history the names on our charts became real people and I was enjoying getting to know them as I typed up the history of their lives. I think getting into genelogy is a lot like getting to know the Savior. The more you learn about it the more important it becomes to you. How can you love the Savior if you don't learn of Him? How can Genealogy become meaningful to you if you don't get into it?
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