Sunday Thoughts: Develop a Family Narrative

Even though January is over, it's not too late to make some family history resolutions. I read the most fascinating study done by researchers at Emory University who wanted to know why some teens were better equipped to face challenges than others. What they found was astonishing: "the more the participants understood about their families, the easier it was for them to feel self-confidence and to experience a healthy level of control over their lives. Knowing their family stories helped children and teenagers develop a sense of identity as part of something much bigger." (Read the fascinating study here)

"Our personal stories are embedded in deep family histories. Our own stories are fashioned by
frames provided by our families. Families that share stories, stories about parents and grandparents, about triumphs and failures, provide powerful models for children. Children understand who they are in the world not only through their individual experience, but through the filters of family stories that provide a sense of identity through historical time"

Telling stories is family history. This is something we can do at any time or any place. But, knowing that you need to tell stories, how do you know what stories to tell. How do you share stories if you don't know any?

Start with sharing YOUR stories. Create a balanced narrative by sharing the good and the bad from your life. "Sharing of positive moments alongside the ability to bounce back from difficult ones,” showed improved self-esteem and enhanced feelings of control and “mastery over life.”

Connect to your family by listening to their stories. Then share them and preserve them!

This is the purpose I strive for! Connecting you with stories so you can develop YOUR family narrative and see the incredible strength and resilience it brings. We were promised in October 2011 by Elder Bednar

"As you respond in faith to this invitation, 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. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives." (Bednar, emphasis added)

Have you made any 2022 family history goals?

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