Our church places a strong emphasis on researching our family history.  This is for the purpose of doing important work for our loved ones in temples, but we believe it’s also important to know our ancestors.  Years ago when I took a family history class, our instructor said when we research our deceased relatives, it gives them their identity back. 

The scripture is true that the hearts of the children will turn to their fathers.  I used to think it was primarily a Mormon thing to search your family line, but I am meeting more and more non-LDS people who have a passion for doing geneaology.  My mom created a strong bond with a distant relative in Scotland who shares her hobby, although he is not a member of the church.  They have had a great time exchanging information they find.

No matter what their political view is, our church leaders have made it a tradition to present each US President with their own family history.  As far as I know, it has been received well.  Today there was an articlethat made mention of the First Lady, Michelle Obama being given a volume of her family history.  I thought that was wonderful.  I had never heard of any of the first ladies being given that gift.  It was presented by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Senator Harry Reid also participated.

Less than a year ago, President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Oaks, and Senator Reid also presented President Obama with volumes of his own family history.  I think it would be fascinating to observe their conversation as they talked about his loved ones that went before him.  I hope he and his family will cherish these volumes and appreciate how important they are.  I know how much I value hearing about my own ancestors.