Heritage

To begin this particular discussion I would like you to read the paragraph/statement, below, made by Ezra Taft Benson.
"There should be no doubt what our task is today. If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity."
There are a few things in addition to the above noted characteristics I would like to include and discuss, as they pertain to heritage – humor, steadfastness, trust and love.
You could of course look all those terms up in the dictionary, but I want to give my particular slant and opinion on those terms.
First, stalwart. When I think of someone that is stalwart I think of someone that is unwavering and strong. I think of common sense and strength -- not only of body but of mind and spirit. I think of someone that is well balanced and determined not to give in.
Second, forebears. When you talk about forebear it primarily means your ancestors or forefathers -- where you came from, your roots.
Third, faith in God. There are those people that do not believe in God. I do. I believe that God is my Heavenly Father. My belief and faith is strong enough to be a certainty. I also know that His Son, Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. With your faith in God as strong as those of your forebears you should be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to do.
Fourth, courage. When I think of courage I think more than just an upright person pounding on his chest, taking a deep breath, throwing back his shoulders and shouting to the world, "I am brave". I think of a deep mental and moral strength, to persevere and withstand dangers, hard times or difficulties. I also think of someone that can withstand opposition or persecution. A person full of tenacity. In this regard one side of courage that comes to mind is a person's strength to avoid doing what is evil or wicked and performing their best at doing what is right, even if it is unpopular.
Fifth, industry. To me, industry means being busy. Not just "busy work" but creative, useful, purposeful. It could also mean study and learning.
Sixth, frugality. I think that, in this case, the definition of frugality is living within your means. In accomplishing that goal part of it is being wise and be citing what are your wants versus what are your needs. I remember stretching my means or my budget to get something that I just had to have -- when we really could have done without it.
Seventh, self-reliance. Self-reliant means having the money or the means that you require to do what you need to do for your family and yourself. I think that it means having the capacity to work within your own talents and abilities. I think, therefore, that in includes training and study and self-improvement.
Eighth, integrity. When I think of integrity I think of how a person may act when he's by himself and nobody is looking. What kind of values do you live by I think of soundness being complete and of course honesty --to be true – to be faithful – to do what’s right!
Ninth, humor. I think that humor is sometimes mixed up with or mistaken for funny. Humor involves and includes smiling at the world. Enjoying a good laugh -- even at oneself. Humor involves even temperament. Life is supposed to be fun. Sometimes it's not easy, it's harsh. Sometimes it might even seem to be playing a joke on you. Smile, and bear it. You make it what it is.
Tenth, steadfastness. One meaning would be firmly fixed in place. I think it is important to remember a person that is steadfast is firm in their beliefs and actions -- faithful.
Eleventh, love. . everybody has their opinion on what love is. Some people get sex and love mixed up. Some people think of a warm fuzzy feeling. Some people don't get any closer to love than what they mean when they signed a letter -- love, Roger. Some people really know affection for a loved one. Some people have love in mind when they are idolizing -- sports, hobbies, work or food! I personally feel, and I think, that love involves a long list: tenderness, affection, emotional attachment, physical longing, a desire to improve oneself, a desire to improve the well-being of another, a concern for an eternal future and a very strong desire for success, together. I think that one of the strongest parts of true love is complete loyalty and devotion along with completely being unselfish. If you stop and think about it the love of God for humankind -- for each of us -- should be an excellent example of how we should love and treat those around us.
I think love is important enough for another paragraph. If one truly loves they hold dear. They cherish. They have passion and devotion. They have concern. Everything they do is for the good of others. Sometimes they might get amorous and that is fine with the right person, in the right place and at the right time. Sometimes love is a kind word, a hug, a kiss. Sometimes it's a smile, a twinkle in the eye.. Sometimes it's physical and caring, and fun. You need to remember that love is forever!
When you put all of these things together -- all 11 -- you have a pretty tough goal to meet. These characteristics or attributes, if followed and adhered to, will make you a pretty well rounded, important and successful person. Please sit, ponder, even pray, about these things. I testify you'll be better, and well on the path to becoming the person you need to be. You, and me!
So, please be wise! Make the changes necessary to live up to your heritage, so that you can be a success in this life and head towards future success in the life to come. Be proud of your name. You have legacy in this world, and an inheritance. There are traditions that you should follow and you have a birth right to live up to. I pray you will do well.