Your Story and HIS-story

By Jessica Greer

The World recently aired a story by journalist Chhavi Sachdev on PRI (Public Radio International) about two brothers from Rajasthan India, who go by the name of Jagaji. The men are part of a legendary line of genealogists and record keepers that has existed since the year 9 AD – that is over 2,000 years of history.

From the time of their birth, the Jagaji men are prepared to take on the family business of maintaining the birth, marriage, and death records of all family members in the merchant community of the Maheshwari clan.

The story relays the tedious and meticulous nature of the record keeping that these brothers must maintain. They travel throughout India most of the year, inputting all the data by hand, using a special concoction of homemade ink that will not fade or smudge.

Then they put all the records into binders called bayaans. So far they have 72 bayaans, each weighing 110 pounds.

As captivating of an effort and calling this may be for the Jagaji brothers, the irony is that digital and technological progression may interfere with the future of this renowned reference.

The sons of the present Jagajis have no desire to carry on the family business.

At one time kings and government officials would settle disputes based on this immaculate record keeping; however one cousin recently commented, “[What they do] isn’t really important… but it’s interesting.”

Even in a highly traditional society like India, there has developed a great loss of appetite for historical value, and this will affect future generations.

Although this story is a fascinating depiction of tradition and of records maintained to the highest degree of accuracy, the reality is that the Jagaji family understood the vital importance of lineage – not just because it is interesting, but because it is imperative to know where one comes from.

American families have lost their own sense of accountability when it comes to teaching their children traditional values and/or family history.

Many parents expect their children to learn all they need to know at school, which means if history is being revised, then that is what will be accepted as fact.

There is a current of “multiculturalism” which seeks to indoctrinate all of America’s children with all cultures and religions, so that we can all live together in harmony.

The problem is that the public school system is replacing the parent and family obligation to teach their own child about their personal heritage.

Instead, children are learning about their cultural identities from a teacher who hasn’t the slightest clue about where that child even comes from.

The fact is that tradition is passed down to generations within the home. It is here that we revisit the roots of the family tree.

Passing on the way we live, teach, and worship must be part of the duty every parent has with their child.

Christianity will not be a value your child will learn at school, and morality will not be something they pick up from their peers.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 is a command God gives the Israelites about teaching their children His word: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The responsibility of a parent is more than just teaching a child survival instincts.

The quality of their life is heavily dependent on the teachings and resources parents provide for their child.

“We must understand that we are but a part of an unbroken continuum of life and not quanta of beings that came into existence randomly and independently.”

Purpose is born from a knowledge of our roots, and the responsibility we have to future generations.

America is a unique country that harbors a collection of cultures and religions.

However, unlike Canada, we concede to our Latin truism, E Pluribus Unum, which means “out of many, one.”

The key word here would be one. While America has a profound sense of freedom that allows all humans to practice and participate in whatever religion and culture they deem worthy, it must ultimately promote the peace and prosperity of the whole.

This means that America itself is still a country that has roots and history steeped in Judeo-Christian values.

In 2009 President Obama stated that the U.S is “no longer a Christian nation.”

In his inaugural address, he once again pointed out that “we are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers."

Unfortunately, America’s covenant with God did not have an expiration date, which means although America’s current culture has fallen under the seduction of the most shallow and defiant, this does not negate its original heritage.

America does have a plethora of different faiths, and we are proud that none are oppressed. However, not all religious and cultural practices are equal – or even good.

Take jihad, for example.

Americans must realize its identity as a country of unity and brotherhood.

Recognition for diversity has its place, but it cannot undermine the United States.

In order to maintain this freedom and unity, Americans must value the traditional and originality of its humble beginnings.

This is not to say that progress has not contributed. But ultimately if the foundation is broken the entire country will collapse.

"Do not separate text from historical background,” James Madison said. “If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government."

Here Madison points out the phony reality of a country that rejects its roots and still attempts to preserve its freedom.

Psalm 33:12 says: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.”

Finally, there is a spiritual heritage that all Christians must claim.

The most vital inheritance is that of salvation, which redeems us and gives us everlasting life.

Ephesians 1:13,14 tells us: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.”

Spiritual heritage is not only found in our salvation through Christ, but also in the pioneers of our faith today.

Many kids who grow up in church have never heard their parents’ testimony of conversion.

The roots of our faith are important, whether it is the history of our church and fellowship or even the history of Martin Luther’s 95 theses posted on the Catholic church door.

The preservation of freedom, salvation, culture, and all other valuable traditions can only be sustained by teaching the children within your home, church, or school.

The Jagaji brothers take a rigorous route to conserve the records of their ancestry, but they also maintain it by continuing to record history themselves.

As humans, Americans, and Christians, we are part of the birthright and lineage of those who came before us, and are obligated to protect our histories, culture, and spiritual heritage for those who come after us.