Building on a rich heritage of faith

There are two hymns that make me emotional even at the on-slought. They are these, They, the Builders of the Nation and Praise to the Man. I love the hymns. I cannot think of a more powerful way for God to communicate with man than through the media of music through inspired written lyrics, to me they touch my soul in a way that even the scriptures or the bearing of solemn testimony can bring. I believe that if may be because of the very testimony that has taken seed within me. It is this, that I have great ancestors and a firm testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. These two basic beliefs are much of what my testimony has derived from. I know that Joseph Smith did indeed translate the plates of gold that were derived from ancient prophets. I know that he gave his life for the purpose of bringing this to life and that his name will be had for good and ill among all nations because as it says in the hymn that "Earth must atone for the blood of that man because he died as a martyr. And that because of this millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again. Also the other hymn that touches my heart upon the very thought is, They the Builders of the Nation. I do not know why I have been so blessed with the Spirit of Elijah but since my mission I have been blessed to have very many experiences with family history, Whether it be working at the Church Office Building in the Family and Church History Department or doing the internship at the Family History Library or serving at the Family Ordinance Pick-up and Patron Assistance Desk at the Temple; I believe all these things have deepened my humility and respect for my own ancestors and cultivated a solemnity for the sacred mission of saving our dead. For they with out them nor we without them can be made perfect. I know that this work is vital to the mission of the gospel of Jesus Christ and it has been my great privilege to have had some part in it. I have great progenitors. The very names evoke thoughts of pioneer stalwarts that sacrificed a great deal so that I could have the religious knowledge and freedoms in my life.