Take Me To Post Comment Form Did you ever wonder.... who you really are, who your ancestors were, and what impact that has on you? I grew up always hearing stories about my ancestors. My grandmother was a southern woman and her husband was a northerner. They were both exceptional people who came from exceptional families. I didn't really understand that when I was younger, but my grandmother kept so much history - both in her writings and in her belongings.

A few years ago I became very interested in learning more about our ancestry. My mother in law is extremely well versed in this area so I enlisted her instruction and got to the task of researching. Wow! What a gold mine I uncovered.

I found out so much about all the different veins of my family, and without realizing it at the time, I began to learn a lot about myself.

I found records showing that some of my relatives had actually been part of the Christian Crusades back in England. I found records showing family members who served in the revolutionary and civil wars, including Robert E. Lee. Mostly, I kept seeing a consistent trait - they were all very involved in their communities.

I unearthed information that revealed fascinating stories when you put the puzzle pieces together. For example, why one of three brothers was there one minute and out of the picture the next. No one had ever known what became of Jacob...but now we know!

I learned more about my maternal great grandfather, who was a pharmacist in Maryland and apparently a very respected man in his town. I even located pictures of the home he lived in and in which my grandmother grew up.It has been beautifully restored! My great uncle's gravestone revealed the words "He Walked With God". What a profound feeling to know that so many of my ancestors were faithful followers of a loving God. They left bibles filled with notes that are precious to me, and only serve to endear me more to my faith.

But what happened as a result of my research is what I find amazing. I found myself having a renewed sense of who I am. I believe they all left me a footprint as to how to live my life in a way that honors them, and allows me to live my life in a way that makes a difference.

Maybe the footprint is also found in my DNA. But I have a renewed desire to care for my community, to be the best parent I can be to my kids, love others unconditionally, be able to have discussions on any topic and respectfully disagree, stand up for what I believe in - and do it with integrity and good ethical behavior.

All of this has reminded me of something I feel people today have either not been taught or have forgotten. It's the art of being able to have differing opinions, but still discuss them respectfully and walk away friends. Men of another generation did it all the time. If you were to be considered a gentleman or a lady, this was the attitude you always had. And honesty was an absolute must.

I would encourage people to spend some time looking into "Who You Are". It's a fascinating journey that takes you back to another time and in many aspects a better way. We can learn a lot of what to do and what not to do's from our history.

Our world is in a crazy condition right now. Will we choose to show self control and respect, or will we throw our potentially good reputations out the window with behavior that better belongs to the middle school age. I always enjoy a good conversation, but we have been given this life and I plan to enjoy it as much as I can. I won't waste time listening to or engaging in mean spirited discussion. It's madness and it's unproductive.

I'm thankful to my ancestors for leaving a trail of information which I cherish and which has motivated me further to be a woman of character and a woman of God.
Which ancestors have left you a message?