“Do You Have My Name”
by Jeanne Peugh, Director
One of the parables of Jesus was that of the Lost Sheep. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Have we not had this experience in our family history research? Have we not felt an ancestor is asking us, “Do you have my name?” When that ancestor is found, do we not rejoice? “And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” When we have made that connection, do we not want to share it with others?
I have had an experience where I felt that a great-grand aunt wanted me to find where she was buried. Even though I had most of her information, I felt strongly that I must go to that cemetery. Before the convenience of the internet, we would take family history trips that would include going to courthouses, historical societies, and cemeteries. I had called the city ahead of time to give me directions to the cemetery, and they told me that it was neglected and there were snake pits, and we needed to be careful. Again, I felt a strong desire to find her, and so we persisted. It was located in a nice neighborhood and was on about a half-acre. It was beautifully maintained, and at the back of the cemetery, there was her tombstone, and next to it was a daughter and grandson, which provided information I did not have. Now I have her name and those of her descendants as well. There is a joy for them and us as we continue to research our family regardless of the sacrifice. As we prepare to go to the temple, do we not feel some of our ancestors asking us, “Do you have my name?” All of them are waiting on us to bless them with eternal blessings.
Many times in the endowment, I have felt joy and peace and a special connection with an ancestor. When kneeling over the altar and sealing husband and wife and children together, I have felt surrounded by their love. Jesus wants us to find those lost sheep on the other side of the veil.
Akron Ohio Stake News 