More than something that that dude in the Third Ward or your great aunt does, genealogical consciousness is a way of being, a way of thinking about your place within and responsibility to the generations surrounding you.
Perhaps one of my messages today is to learn from our family histories. Both Howard and Harvey were born in large families in small towns. One became an internationally known scientist, bearing his testimony to large numbers of people throughout his life and while working in New York City. The other quietly served a mission, raised a family, worked hard on a farm in Victor, Idaho, and served the Lord with all of his heart whenever called. Perhaps in the eyes of the world one was great and one was relatively obscure. However, in the eyes of the Lord, I think that both were good. Both were valiant servants of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
The more links you forge with your ancestors through their culture, the richer the legacy you will have to pass along to your own children and grandchildren.
Eternal families are the greatest goal of the gospel. It is your responsibility to fulfill Malachi's promise and turn hearts to their roots and branches.
God will save our generation by sending Elijah, with priesthood sealing keys to connect us with our forefathers and our posterity.
Joseph Fielding Smith is given an award celebrating his work in genealogy. He speaks about the central role of the sealing power in our quest for salvation.
