Family History—Strength from the Past
For Christmas in 2011, our daughter gave my husband and me a large, 16” x 20”, beautiful picture—of herself! On the accompanying card she wrote:
Mommy & Daddy
As I’m sure you can see, this is a really big picture of me. And no, contrary to what you are thinking, I didn’t give you this because I’m conceited……. I gave you this because I am wearing fashionable treasures from both of your mothers. The fur shoulder piece is Grandmother’s, and all of the jewelry pictured is the jewelry that Aunt Linda gave me this summer from Grandma Alice.
I know that both Grandmother and Grandma Alice were amazing women because they raised both of you to be the two best people that I know. I feel so honored to represent our family in this way. I Love You!
P.S. I got this frame from a local store in town and it is hand-made from barns in Cody, too!
Xoxo,
Angela
Every day when I walk through our living room, I look at this gorgeous picture and gain an inner strength that comes from knowing our family is united through generations of time.
I recently wrote to Angela with regards to this picture and said:
You’ve been blessed with the grit and mental toughness of Grandmother and the grace and perseverance of Grandma Alice. They both loved beauty and elegance and brought these gifts into their families. I know they are both watching over you and are pleased with your desires to excel and strive to be your best.
connecting to the past
Eric Greitens, a Navy Seal who wrote the book, Resilience—Hard Won Wisdom for Living A Better Life, has words of inspired counsel about connecting to the past.
His book is a series of letters, which he wrote to a friend and former Navy Seal. His friend, after years of noble combat, returned home and sank into a deep depression. He suffered from PTSD and alcoholism and had spent time in jail. Greitens did not give up on his friend—he knew the greatness within him. Regarding the importance of understanding and appreciating one’s family history, I like these two following quotes:
Letter 21: Story
Kids’ Mental Toughness
Knowing our history can make us more resilient especially when we understand our connection to the people who went before us. I recently read about a study on kids’ mental toughness. The more kids knew about their family history, the more resilient they turned out to be.
Letter 22: Death
Honoring Ancestors
Those who have lived with us become a part of us. We honor the dead by living their values. Through our efforts, we ensure that the good things they stood for continue to stand even when they are gone. Our actions become a living memorial to their memory.
Hunger to Know Our Heritage
Alex Haley, the famous author of Roots: The Saga of an African American Family, initiated a new, never-before-seen interest in family history and genealogical research. This first quote explains the high value he places on family roots, and this second quote explains why there is such an important need to know our roots:
“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.”
“In all of us there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness. ”
Resilience
A second quote about “resilience” comes from guest blogger, Rachel Coleman. In her article entitled, “Why We Need Family History Now More Than Ever” she writes:
“Knowing our family history builds resilience. In learning about our ancestors’ lives, we can see patterns of overcoming failures and surviving hard times. Their stories remind us that surely not everything in life will work easily, that disappointments occur and inequalities exist, but that we can recover, triumph, and find happiness despite hardships.”
Family History
If you aren’t currently doing any family history, begin now. Your life will be enriched by what you learn. I have gained much strength from reading the journal of my great, great grandfather Isaac Hill (1806-1879). As I reflect on all the trials and hardships he endured, it inspires me to never give up during my own trials.
Also, remember to keep a little journal yourself—whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. Someday your posterity will be strengthened by something you happened to write down!