As I trace the family further back however there is less of a feeling of connectedness and emotional investment. Yes it's fascinating I might be able to trace a line of the family back to Charlemagne, but ultimately I don't have the same affection for Charlemagne as I do for my grandfather.
My ancestors are in the past, and all that is left of them are (if their lucky) their names, some stories, and bits of their DNA. My hope and understanding of life is not held in my ancestors, it is held in Christ. Researching their past however did remind me of this scripture. I think I'll put it on any family binder I might eventually make.
6The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
7The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Isaiah 40:6-9
I've been researching my family for some time now and I understand what you're saying. At some point they just become names and dates. Without know the "who" of the names you are finding - what they did, what they looked like - it's hard to connect. But still, it is fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your search!
My wife traced one side of her family back to the Jamestown colony. My family only goes back so far as the Russian progroms and then disapeers.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder that I take my true identity from the Lord and what He has caused me to become--not from the ancestors. Love these verses!
ReplyDelete