Thoughts

A couple of weeks ago I happened upon a program on BYUtv called "Fires of Faith". The kids and I began watching as a man was led up to be burned at the stake sometime in the 1500s I think. Well, because it was BYUtv, I assumed it wouldn't get graphic and decided I would explain what was happening. I try not to shy away from telling my kids exactly what it is they observe or have questions about. I may edit and explain as kid-friendly as I can, needless to say, they didn't even light the bushels of straw on fire, it cut away and the program went on. It went on to talk about how many people were burned for pursuing to publish and distribute The Bible. The word of God that at the time was only allowed for Catholic priests to read.

I began to think about the many people that gave their lives to liberate and educate and provide opportunities for everyone to learn for themselves from these important words. It was a right these people felt so passionate about, they were willing to give their lives. I thought about their courage to change the status quo. I'm sure there were many more who risked their lives, whether or not they had to die for this cause or not.

Fast forward four hundred or so years later, people on the street were asked their thoughts on the Bible, or if they have ever read it. Many felt it was irrelevant, out of touch, not applicable, and many had never read it. I must admit I have not read more than a passage here or there of the Bible. I am not putting anyone down for not doing so. But for some reason, it really hit me that those men (and possible women) who were burned at the stake or otherwise killed to bring these words to light, are now considered 'irrelevant' and their sacrifice deemed 'not applicable'. I felt an almost irreverent feeling for those that are our ancestors, those that helped shape the world to what it has become. Those that paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today.

Furthermore I thought about the things that I want to teach, want desperately for my children to know about me and my experiences, and thought of my children's children's children dismissing me or my experiences as 'out of touch' or 'irrelevant'.

I realized everyone who has ever lived has a certain amount of years on this earth. Some live long, and some have less years to experience life. But for all of time women and men have made and had babies, reared children, dealt with illness, experienced hurt feelings, laughter, love, struggle, worry and many more everyday feelings and interactions. And although our circumstances, possessions, and environment have changed dramatically, I believe we still have a lot more in common with people of the past than we have differences. We as humans have had to learn to deal with one another, interact, tolerate, loathe, and love.

These thoughts have given me a desire to connect with my personal ancestors, to learn about their experiences and wonder what life was like for them individually. I have felt not only connected to those that have come and gone before me, but to those who are here now with me on the earth, and those who have yet to come.

I am amazed at the lines of thought I feel I have been inspired to ponder, and I am so grateful for my freedom to think and to question and to learn. We live in a truly blessed time.