Using History to Find Our Place in the Present

It's easier to know where you're going in life if you know where you've come from. 

This isn't referring to the birds and bees, but a reminder to look into your family tree.

~ Stacy Coles

Studying the past used to be a confusing path of road blocks and unanswered questions; an intimidating journey that most people didn't dare venture. Today, technology has made family history so easy and convenient that anyone can connect to their ancestors, making it possible for family trees to grow ~ even if you don't have a green thumb.

There are many computer programs on the market that will guide you on your journey through time, giving you tutorials along the way. There are also websites and family history libraries you can go to for technical support. Once you find out how to navigate through your own history, watch how many doors open up and explore the new eras that you are connected to.

Invite your parents, children, or siblings to journey with you as you unleash mysteries of the past. You might find that you have links to royalty in England, or that your relatives were Vikings in Norway. Maybe you'll realize that your love for music comes from your ties to Beethoven, or your talent in cooking is because you're a distant relative of Julia Child.

A family history search might inspire you to try new things when you find out the occupation or hobby of a great, great grandfather/mother. New doors can open to the future by unlocking doors from the past. But, it's up to us to uncover those hidden secrets that our modern-day family members might not even know exist. Our ancestors' experiences and journeys can give us the inner strength and courage we need to find our place in the present.

Family History