Invite the Spirit of Elijah and Fortify Family

“As the Nephite cities of old (see Alma 49:5, 8; 50:1-6), we can fortify our homes and establish a defense and a refuge,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told families and individuals gathered at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.

As keynote speakers on RootsTech Family Discovery Day, Elder Stevenson and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, offered ideas to help Latter-day Saints invite the Spirit of Elijah into their homes and fortify their families.

Share Family Stories and Personal

Every summer, Sister Stevenson and her sister-in-law host “Grandma Camp” to strengthen family bonds, learn skills and build faith. Last year, the family highlighted the story of Elder Stevenson’s great aunt, Mary Elizabeth Rollins. Elder and Sister Stevenson invited three of their granddaughters to the stage to share the impact of Mary Elizabeth Rollins’ story — how Isaac Morley lent her as a young girl the only copy of the Book of Mormon in the town, and she stayed awake all night to read it.

“This story reminds me that the Book of Mormon isn’t just for adults — it’s for kids too. And Mary was only a child when she read it, so I can read it too,” said Sophie, a granddaughter.

As a surprise to his granddaughters, Elder Stevenson showed them a Book of Mormon given to Mary Elizabeth by the Prophet Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, which is now in the Church’s possession. Elder and Sister Stevenson demonstrated how to record stories using the FamilySearch Memories app and shared the story of how they met at Utah State University.

Family stories can strengthen children in many ways, said Elder Stevenson, citing a study from Emory University, which concluded that children who know more about their family stories have “higher levels of self-esteem, better family functioning, lower levels of anxiety, fewer behavioral problems, and better resiliency.”

Pass Down Family Names

The Book of Mormon also shows the power of family names. For example, Helaman named his sons Lehi and Nephi. The significance of their family names gave them strength to stay righteous during a time of wickedness (see Helaman 5:6-7).

“Passing down a family name is a distinct and unique way we can help our children feel a connection to their eternal families and examples from the past,” Sister Stevenson said. Another example is Elder Stevenson’s middle name of Evan, which is the name of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His son shares the middle name and his grandson is named Evan.

Elder Stevenson shared the story of a couple they met in Japan, whose son Johnny asked his grandfather the meaning of his middle name Kurado — “keeper of the treasure.” Johnny’s interest in family history, as well as his mother’s miraculous conversion, led his grandfather and family to rediscovering their family genealogy scrolls dating back to 831 AD.

Connect with Family and Establish Traditions

The family unit can provide a sense of belonging in a world that is becoming ever more disconnected, Elder Stevenson said. “Seize every opportunity to connect and get to know the members of your family and extended family during meals, reunions, funerals and more.”

For example, when Sister Stevenson’s Grandma Margarite died, her family gathered together and celebrated her life by filling out four generations in the “My Family” booklet. “These simple ways of connecting to our families help us in our efforts to create a sanctuary of faith and to help our children know who they are and where they belong,” Sister Stevenson said.

Use Technology to Do Good

As parents fortify their homes, children will be protected as they go out into the world each day, Elder Stevenson said. “We can then take comfort that the fortifications we build will contribute to the individual spiritual armor they bear.”

Sister Stevenson added, “They are, after all, as President Nelson taught us, the Lord’s youth battalion.”

Technology can be a powerful tool for gospel learning and positive connections. Help, teach and invite children to use more of their screen time to read the scriptures, Elder Stevenson said. “In the history of the world, you are the first generation of parents and children that carry not just your scriptures, but also your personal family history — your family tree — and it can be with you at all times on this small device,” he said.

Serve Together in the Temple

A fortified home can be an extension of the House of the Lord, Sister Stevenson said. “Strive to nurture a desire within your children and grandchildren to attend the temple as a family and with their friends.”

President Nelson said at RootsTech in 2017: “Our collections of stories and photos should never become an end point in themselves — if we know who our ancestors are, know marvelous things about them, but we leave them stranded on the other side without their ordinances — such diversion will not be of any help to our ancestors who remain confined in their spirit prison.”

“Understanding the eternal nature of the temple will draw you to your family; and understanding the eternal nature of the family will draw you to the temple,” Elder Stevenson said.

In closing, Sister Stevenson told the audience, “I know that as you strive to do your best, you can start to ‘unleash the power of family.’ … You and your family can become a great force for good in today’s world.”

Elder Stevenson concluded: “Please remember that you are never and will never be alone. And I would add that these ministering angels know who you are, they care for you, they love you, and they will become a vital part of the fortification of your home. The Spirit of Elijah helps make this possible … As you participate in this divine work, that it will come back to you, that it will fortify your home, that it will become a defense and a refuge for you.”

Pass Down Family Names

Connect with Family and Establish Traditions

Use Technology to Do Good

Serve Together in the Temple

Read more about RootsTech 2020: