I love reading the stories of my pioneer ancestors and those of the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many times as I ponder their faith, their courage, and their trust in God, I am filled with awe. The things these early pioneers did, and the sacrifices they made to live the gospel are evidence of their testimonies, and have strengthened my faith and testimony.

President Russell M. Nelson said, “The monumental deeds of the pioneers descend as a weighty trust upon our shoulders. Those deeds are theirs, not ours. Their works cannot redound to our glory, but to our responsibility. We may claim no honor, no reward, no respect, nor special position, recognition, or credit because of what our forefathers were or what they wrought. We stand upon our own feet in our own shoes. We must develop our own understanding, rise by our own labor, and lift our own voices in living testimony.” (Daily Joy; Russell M. Nelson)

When the early Pioneers accepted the gospel and endured the trials of faith to remain true to the covenants they made, they set an example for each of us. We are not likely to be called to endure the same trials they did, and our sacrifices will not be the same as theirs, but will require our full faith, trust and commitment just as did theirs. Their lives are an example and inspiration to me to stand on my own feet in my own trials.

I hope that as we read these pioneer stories, they become more than stories, but that they will move us to righteous action in our own journey .

–Elaine Hardman – Granite Family History Center – communications