When Lehi sent Nephi and his brothers back to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates, he described them as containing “a record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers” (1 Nephi 3:3). When they returned with the plates, he learned that “he was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord” (1 Nephi 5:14). Lehi felt a kinship with that particular ancestor, naming one of his sons after him and quoting extensively from him in his final counsel to that son. (See 1 Nephi 18:7; 2 Nephi 3.)
Centuries later, the prophet Alma felt a similar connection with Lehi, referring to Lehi’s first vision as he described his own conversion experience. (See Alma 36:22.) And Mormon identified himself as both a “disciple of Jesus Christ” and as a “descendant of Lehi” (3 Nephi 5:13, 20).
Connecting with our ancestors can give us a sense of belonging, of contributing to an intergenerational project instead of merely pursuing individual ambitions. In 1916, Joseph F. Smith placed his own ministry in the context of his father, Hyrum Smith, and his uncle, Joseph Smith, both of whom had died nearly 72 years earlier. “I stand … in the presence of Joseph and Hyrum and Brigham and John,” he said. “When I go I want to have the privilege of meeting them with the consciousness that I have followed their example, that I have carried out the mission in which they were engaged as they would have it carried out” (Conference Report, April 1916, 2–3).
When Joseph saw the world of spirits in a vision two and a half years later, he specifically saw his father and uncle there, in the company of numerous ancient prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Elijah, and various Book of Mormon prophets. (See Doctrine and Covenants 138:38, 41, 46-47, 49, 53.)
One hundred years later, his great-grandson, M. Russell Ballard, delivered a poignant tribute to him in a general conference talk. “I testify that the vision President Joseph F. Smith received is true,” he said. “I bear witness that every person can read it and come to know it is true” (“The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” October 2018 general conference).
Years earlier, Elder Ballard offered a heartfelt tribute to his great-great-grandfather: “As a descendant of Hyrum Smith, I feel a solemn obligation to ensure that the Church never forgets the significant ministry of this great leader” (“Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm As the Pillars of Heaven,’” October 1995 general conference).
Like Lehi, Alma, Mormon, and Joseph F. Smith, Elder Ballard’s ministry was enriched by a deep connection with his ancestors.
Today I will remember some of my ancestors. I will think about the worthy causes that animated them and recommit to honor their legacy by contributing to those causes.