Porter's Talk: Remember Who I Am

My grandfather, Rufus Porter Glass, fought in the Civil War. He enlisted in the 19th regiment of Maine, fought in Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, including Pickett's Charge. He was captured and taken prisoner to Andersonville. He survived those wretched conditions and when released, missed riding the steamboat that exploded and killed thousands, by one day. My parents know that he was watched over and protected because he was my grandmother's great grandfather, and she was the first in our family to join the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My parents want me to remember the heritage he left our family, and who I was named after.

Helaman tells Nephi and Lehi how their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears, in chapter 5, verse 6:

Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

We all play parts in today's world. We represent our family, Jesus Christ, and we are heir to all that our Heavenly Father has. We are children of God and we need to remember this and live our lives worthy.