He Spoke I Went

During a recent trip to Kruger National Park, I watched a family of elephants move together along a riverbed. They stayed close, the older ones protecting the younger ones from the unseen damages, and all of them moving in harmony. As I observed them, I was reminded of one of God’s greatest creations and blessings—our families.

From the beginning, families have been central to Heavenly Father’s divine plan. The Apostle Paul declared: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14–15). Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is not just for us as individuals—it is for our families as well.

Through the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the priesthood keys necessary to bind families together for eternity were returned to the earth. Because of those sacred keys, and through the infinite Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to be united with our loved ones beyond the veil of death.

President Russell M. Nelson testified: “In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.”

I know with all my heart that families are meant to be eternal. I know that through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, families can be sealed together in the holy temple. This includes loved ones we know, love and cherish, as well as ancestors we have never met in this life. The promise of eternal families brings peace, hope, and purpose—it is the very essence of God’s love for His children.

Just as a family of elephants finds safety and joy in being together, so too can we find lasting happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, follow Jesus Christ, and make sacred covenants in His holy house. I testify that because of Him, families can be together forever.

As the prophet Malachi foretold: “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6). Truly, the gospel of Jesus Christ binds us together across generations—past, present, and future—into one eternal family in God’s plan of happiness.