By Tiffany Tolman
More to Family History
When I was young, my grandpa drove a Wonder Bread truck. Consequently, he always had a stash of Ding Dongs on hand—and I knew where to find them. It’s one of my favorite memories of him from my childhood. And it helps me understand a little about my love for dessert. That story is part of my family history.
Family history is so much more than looking through census records and filling out charts. It’s about sharing the stories that make your family unique—those amazing stories that range from inspirational to embarrassing, heartbreaking to hilarious. And if you’re looking for a sure-fire way to strengthen your family members to meet the challenges they face, help them discover who they are, and start by telling family stories.
The Heart of Family History
At the recent RootsTech 2016 conference, Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, shared that telling family stories is a great way to begin family history because stories get to the heart of what brings a family joy, love, peace, happiness, inspiration, belonging, and connectedness. When we share family stories, especially ones describing family members who have faced and overcome challenges, those listening become more equipped to face their own struggles. They discover who they are by listening to the stories of their family.
Don’t Feel Like Much of a Storyteller?
If you don’t feel like much of a storyteller, don’t worry. The stories you share with your family don’t require much. They just have to mean something to you. If you have a story, as RootsTech presenter Bruce Feiler shared, “Don't just keep it to yourself. Share it with those around you. Do it at the dinner table, at the carpool, when you're taking a walk, when you're folding the laundry. Make family history part of your every day.” Simply start talking, and share what you know. You could even get a little creative. One woman at RootsTech recently hosted a gathering where all the refreshments connected to family stories. When she shared that she served Ding Dongs as part of her family history, I immediately made the connection. Ding Dongs are part of my family history too.
You Already Are
Believe it or not, you may be sharing your family stories without even realizing it. If you use social media, you’re on your way. Millennials and teenagers are especially adept at this storytelling aspect of family history. Every picture or caption posted preserves a family story. And there’s more you can do. Think about recording your story on your digital device. With apps like StoryCorps, introduced by David Isay at RootsTech, you can record your stories to keep for yourself or share with the world.
Keep Talking
Whatever you do, keep sharing your family stories. If you want your loved ones to feel the strength that comes from being part of your family so they can go out and conquer the world, tell them family stories. The more they know about their family members, the more they will discover about themselves.
You may also like:
That’s a Perfectly Good Memory—Why Aren’t You Using It?
