Expanding Your Family & Personal History
This final week was interesting as we studied Lehi & Nephi experience in the wilderness in 1 Nephi 16 - 18. The following scriptures impressed me:
Mosiah 10:11,12,16 ( I have underlined the phrases of interest)
11 Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.
12 They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;
16 And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them.
Nephi wrote how the Lamanites felt, and about their state of being. This feeling that they felt "wronged" disrupted them for generations.
Look up the following references, looking for what it says about the traditions of the Lamanite fathers:
Mosiah 1:5, Alma 9:16-17, Alma 24:7, Alma 60:32
Using the these scriptures as an example, write about the power that records and stories can have (both positive and negative) on future generations.
Negative - This feeling of being wronged caused them to feel hatred towards their family, it negatively impacted their attitude giving them a scapegoat to blame their brethren. This wronged feeling hindered them from progressing, and learning about the Savior or feeling anything spiritual. It also impacted their agency by following their "traditions" it gives them a pattern of hatred to follow. Influencing their opinions and choosing to be bitter, loathing and unforgiving.
Positive - Reading positive experiences and events that show faith influence us to change, motivates us to follow in faithful footsteps, uplifts, and gives a proud feeling of heritage. Positiveness encourages us to serve, and accept goodness, and all the Lord has to offer. We can feel joy and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) said:
" You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life. There may be a flash of illumination here and a story of faithfulness there; you should truthfully record your real self and not what other people may see in you....You story should be written now while it is fresh and while the true details are available...What could you do better for your children and your children's children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?
...." Get a notebook,...a journal that will last through all time, and maybe the angels may quote from it for eternity. Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies."
("The Angels May Quote from It", New Era, Oct 1975)
Brother Matthews said to include your personal history into your family history. My goal is to creatively share my personal history and create a history of my parents even though they have passed on. I feel my family would enjoy the positive memories and feel a sense of gratitude for the love and sacrifices of my parents, and grandparents. I am grateful for all they did to create a happy life for me and influence me for good even though times were challenging for them as well. They did their very best and bravely faced their challenges.
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