Number TWO, on our very important list of the “Top Ten Things An LDS GrandParent Should Tell Their Grandchildren” is to Tell Them Who They Are! As LDS GrandParents, who understand our covenant relationship with a grandchild, we want to make sure that we take the time to tell our grandchildren WHO they really are!
“Another appealing aspect to having grandparents is that they do help, to give [a grandchild] a sense of continuity—of his place in the world and in the generations. Not only do grandparents help him intellectually to comprehend that there are parents of parents, but they also aid him in understanding where he fits in the succession of things. Even a very young child can begin to feel a sense of rootedness and history.
~ Lawrence Balter
How wonderful that even the secular scholars of today, understand the power of identity and its far reaching effects on a young grandchild. However, the LDS GrandParent, can accomplish this job, with much more impact…
Individual identity is not merely knowing your name, address and telephone number. It is even more than knowing that you belong to a mother and a father, and perhaps that you are one of a few other siblings; known as the family unit. To understand our true identity, requires something much much more. In order for your grandchild to truly know who they are, they must have absolute knowledge; which is eternal.
Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
Unfortunately, identity crises among the young are rising. More and more, they are asking the question “Who am I”? Many really don’t know, therefore they lack the understanding of their place, mission and ultimate destiny. The most serious of concerns, are for those who suffer with gender identity issues.
In comes the beloved LDS GrandParent, with an eternal understanding and perspective of just exactly WHO their Grandchildren really Are; and we are going to make sure that our grandchildren know it!
To understand the path which has placed us now, exactly where we are – is to know that this life has a specific purpose. This is the eternal knowledge that the LDS GrandParent knows and understands well.
As an LDS Grandparent, we have come to know, with deep conviction the Plan of Happiness. Our very personal experiences throughout our lives, have born witness to us that these teachings are true. We have come to understand the purpose of our own lives with much more clarity.
The LDS GrandParent can testify of these truths with more power than anyone else in a grandchild’s life. I know that this is true. It is because of my own grandmother’s sure knowledge of these truths, that I myself did embrace the truth of eternal life.
In the newly published LDS Nursery Manual, “Behold, Your Little Ones”, you will find that lessons One and Two are wonderful resources for helping the LDS GrandParent best teach the vital principle of WHO our precious grandchildren really are!
The grandchild who comes to know these things of themselves, is then ready to fulfill their destiny with faithful determination.
tDMg
LdsNana
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
clint 09.08.08 at 9:56 pm
There really is an identity crises in this country, and way to often it is not dealt with early enough in life. I think you are right that grandparents need to address this part of their grandchildrens lives ! to help ground them and give them a since of how and where they fit in.
Shayne Packer 09.08.08 at 10:57 pm
When I was growing up, I loved hearing stories from my grandparents about my pioneer heritage. (All of my GG-Grandparents joined the church in the 1830s and 1840s.) I taught my children about our ancestors, and now I’m starting to tell my grandchildren. Thanks for the reminder!
Inthedoghouse 09.09.08 at 8:41 am
LDS Nana,
Thank you once again for teaching a principle that, if understood more fully and correctly, would change the world.
The power that we are given as Children of a Heavenly Father rests in knowing who we are and what our divine heritage is. This knowledge helps us overcome temptation and live up to the potential that each of us has been given.
Although I do not have grandchildren at this point in my life, I labor diligently to teach my children and other children this very important principle because I have a strong conviction that it is the way to happiness.
When I become a grandparent, teaching this principle to my own grandchildren will be on my list as well
Jeni 04.19.09 at 3:17 pm
If God saw that “these souls were good” then why was Christ sent to die for the sins of all mankind?
LdsNana 04.19.09 at 5:12 pm
It is because they were “good” and God knew that we would sin here in a fallen world (mortality), that He sent His Son to die for us… so that we might be redeemed from that Fall.
tDMg
You must log in to post a comment.