My Magnificent Heritage

The Browning girls saw the fresh remains of the martyred Mormon prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum Smith, in the streets of Nauvoo, Illinois on 28 June 1844. Austin Hammer Sr. and Benjamin Franklin Lewis both lost their lives during the Haun's Mill Massacre in October 1838, while fighting for their wives and children; against the mob who sought their lives because of their religion. The stories of the Browning girls, Austin and Benjamin are all stories I claim as my own, because they are my ancestors.

Lives have been lost. Children's feet bloodied as they traveled to Zion. Baptisms in the middle of a freezing winter night to avoid persecuting neighbors. But then because of their sufferings, now families are united in the joy of learning that the Church which Christ established had returned to its fullness once again. There are 130+ Temples for us to worship the Lord more fully. Hearts have been healed through the Atonement. And The Book of Mormon stands as another witness of Jesus as the Christ and a daily necessity for me in the crazy world.

The horrid persecutions of the early LDS (Mormon) church members are not well known to others outside of the Church, but their history still stands as a testimony of what they believed, what they stood for. And what they stood for is what I stand for today. What is my LDS church membership? Everything to me. And especially on a day like yesterday, Mormon Pioneer Day, I remember what has been sacrificed by my forefathers, and grateful to put down my own kinds of sacrifices. But the question is - what am I sacrificing?

Instead of mourning over my family's losses, I rejoice in the wonderful gift they have passed on to me: my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have led my family to build our lives on the foundation that only Jesus Christ can provide, "which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12). I feel the best way I can live up to rich Pioneer heritage, is to strengthen my testimony each and every day. Strive to be Christ-like in all that I do. Love those around me. See the good in everything and everyone. Focus on the moments that matter. And most of all, enjoy the wonderful family that God has given me today.

-------------

My Mormon Pioneer Ancestors:

Mary Heady Butler, Charles Franklin Middleton, Charles Franklin Butler, Martha Clarissa Browning, Jonathan Browning, Elizabeth Stalcup, Joseph Fife, Adam Fife, Ellen (Helen) Sharp, John Sharp, Sanford Bingham Sr., Erastus Bingham, Lucinda Gates, Martha Ann Lewis, Benjamin Franklin Lewis, Johannah Ryon, Edward Southwick, Mary Alexander, John Henry Spencer, Jerusha Kibbee Elmer, Richard Spencer, Mary Earnshaw, Seymour Brunson, Harriet Matilda Gardner, Thomas Poulson Cloward, Catherine Ann Pluck, Jacob Cloward Sr., Elias Gardner, Amy Pritchard, James Wiley Norton, Nancy Jane Hammer, David Jane Hammer, David Norton Jr., Elizabeth Benefield, Austin Hammer Sr., Nancy Jane Elson.

Life WILL Be Hard

This morning, I was thrown a curve ball that I didn't quite prefer. But then again, when are curve balls in our lives preferred?

Following the hit, the only next step that made sense in my heart was to get on my knees. So I did. After reconciliation with my Father in Heaven, I picked up myself and left for the day. As I approached my daily gospel study, President Uchtdorf's talk,"Waiting on the Road to Damascus" fell into my lap and leaped into my heart - "If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some of the most powerful experiences and profound revelations of our lives."

As I went on with my day, it was no easy thing to recover from the bruises of my curve ball. But He, the Lord, gave me itty bitty blessings here and there to remind me of His love for me and to reclaim my clear view of the wonderful life He has given me.

Life has thrown me countless curve balls. I've tried many ways to fix my life, but I've realized I cannot do it on my own. Only through my Father in Heaven can I truly win the game of life.

"The years before you are glorious, marvelous years. Life will be hard but wonderful. You will be tested, but you will win. You will have sorrow but find peace. Enjoy the process of life. And in a lot of years you will look back and realize you have had a wonderful one." - Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone