I am not a history buff. In fact, I claim to hate history and want nothing to do with it. Unfortunately, this tends to encompass the history of my own church as well. I am not like many people that I have met that love to learn about church history, but give me a good fiction book to read, and I’m there!
Growing up in Texas as a child, I was vaguely reminded of the pioneers and what they did for church history. And, when I say vaguely reminded I mean that I was probably given a lesson about the pioneers in church, or maybe we sang a song or two in primary to remind us of their efforts in church history. But, other than that, I had no clue about the importance of these brave men and women that paved the way for myself and other modern latter-day saints.
Fast forward to moving to UT as a young adult. All of a sudden, there was this state holiday, July 24th. Pioneer Day. I was grateful like most other Utahns for the extra day off work. I thought it kind of silly that UT made this a state holiday, but appreciated it nonetheless! Then, somehow, someone loaned me the book, “Fire of the Covenant” by Gerald Lund. It opened my eyes and made me interested in church history. It made me grateful for all those people that were willing to die for our faith! So many in our Mormon history have died because they simply believed and wanted to be faithful.
I ended up getting married on July 23rd, so that our anniversary could coincide with a holiday and give me more time off of work for the honeymoon. Now, every year, I not only think about how grateful I am for my husband, but I’m also reminded of the pioneers and all they accomplished.
One of my goals was to read the 9 book series, The Work and the Glory by the same author. I’m currently on the last book, and have been in awe once again of the early leaders and members of my church and all they had to go through. I’m thankful for these books because I’m not sure I would have learned what I learned otherwise. No way was I about to pick up an actual church history book! But, these books are full of actual facts and history, while the main characters are fictional.
If you are anything like me, and don’t know your church history, and aren’t that excited about it, then pick up these books. They’ve been around forever, and I’m sure someone in your ward has a copy you can borrow. It is well worth your time. And, from now on, I never forget the pioneers, and I’m thankful for that!
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