Acts 3:6 - The Legacy we Pass Down

Acts 3:6

While studying this verse, I felt its relevance to family history come alive. 

There have been times when I have felt that we need to give our children all the material things: iPads, new shoes, game consoles, vacations, eating out, etc. The memory jars activity (click here for the activity) helped put this into perspective for me. I asked the kids to draw a memory they never want to forget. I thought for sure someone would draw our expensive trip to Disneyland; however, not one of them did. Hananh drew herself winning second place in the science fair. Lilly drew herself and her cousin doing an egg hunt. Beck drew the first time he rode in a school bus (he loves school buses). Charlotte drew her birthday. None of these activities costs a lot of money. In many ways, they were simple activities. Those would not have been the memories I would have picked out for them, but they sparked joy and excitement in each child. I am not saying we shouldn't do big trips or buy our children nice things. Those can all be good things. I was just surprised by what my children chose as important memories. Good memoiries that will last a lifetime do not require a lot of money.

f My Dad’s Uncle Mike understood that family was more important than silver and gold. A simple but profound legacy he passed down to his family. 

My parents don’t have gold or silver, but they pass down cuddles, tickles, cheeky chocolate before dinner, and Poppy’s famous pancakes (famous to our children). My parents know my children. They call to celebrate wins and tune in on YouTube for band concerts or dance recitals. My children know they matter to Nanny and Poppy, and that is the legacy they will pass down. 

Other thoughts about Acts 3:6

1. Giving What Truly Matters

Peter didn’t have money to offer, but he gave something of eternal value. Family history is similar — when we preserve and share our ancestors’ stories, we’re giving something priceless to future generations. It’s not silver or gold, but a legacy of identity, belonging, and faith.

2. Spiritual Healing and Strength

The man in Acts was lifted up and made whole. In family history, when we “rise up” to do the work of gathering, remembering, and performing temple ordinances, both we and our ancestors experience healing. As Elder Renlund has taught, when we do this work, “God’s children on earth are healed.”

3. Power Through Christ’s Name

Peter’s words remind us that real power comes through Jesus Christ. Family history and temple work are not just hobbies — they are sacred acts done in His name and through His authority. They allow families to rise together, united across generations.

4. Sharing What We Can

We may feel like we don’t have enough time, resources, or expertise to do family history, but just like Peter, we can offer what we have. Whether that’s sharing one story, attaching one photo, or taking one family name to the temple, small acts create eternal impact.

“Like Peter in Acts 3:6, we may not always have worldly treasures to give, but through family history and temple work, we can give something greater: connection, healing, and eternal belonging. In Christ’s name, families can rise up and walk forward — together.”