Patricia Taylor of Paralowie, South Australia, has amazed her medical specialists that she is still alive, as she has been in a critical palliative state for a long time.
The reason I am still alive,” she says, “is my purpose in doing family history work.”
Reflecting on her years of genealogical research, she says, “I have experienced a depth of pure joy, comfort, miracles, blessings, heightened spirituality, some believed preservation of my mortal life from dedicating every hour of every week, where possible, in doing family history.”
Patricia Taylor. Image used with permission.
Patricia Taylor. Image used with permission.© 2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“Promises made by prophets and apostles have been kept,” she says. “I know, because of the vast evidences I have witnessed. Oh, the joy and depth of my blessings, has my cup running over, and I can barely contain the feelings within me, due to the extraordinary blessings received.”
She continued: “I am overwhelmed in gratitude, that DNA and the Spirit of Elijah has made possible, the results are truly miraculous. Vast generations for myself and my husband (now passed on), who was given away as a baby … no mortal knew who his father was, has now been connected way back to 70BC. Mine to Adam and Eve. I am thankful for the interlocking of all connections, for it shows that all is possible, and that records exist, surfacing in the most remarkable ways.”
She calls the work of family history and vicarious temple ordinances “a united labour of service and love — towards family, friends and strangers — is focused as one in purpose for those who cannot do so for themselves. These workers in varied ways make it possible throughout the world in all aspects of genealogical preservation and recording.”
Patricia says that the testimony she has for this important work has grown over time and through several experiences. The last occasion being, she says, “when I poured out my heart, mind and very soul in prayer, during which an incredible spiritual experience took place, before I had even closed in prayer! One in which, enables me to cope with my infirmities, to the full extent, where my ancestors have had and are having ordinances done for them to accept or reject.”
“I am so very grateful,” she says, “for the help and means that have made such necessities in this marvellous work possible. These infirmities, which I once thought were thorns, are really advantages. It is they that are the means for us to seek help upon our Lord, so He can empower us, once we acknowledge our reliance upon Him. It has taken me till I’m almost 85 years to realise our thorns are really, our tests. I may have passed some of these tests, because of the happiness that became pure Joy … then changed to what I felt must have been partial exaltation! Because, I felt The Lord, was so close, that a portion of His power penetrated my Spirit! This is my testimony for this particular spiritual experience.
Patricia Taylor. Image used with permission.
Patricia Taylor. Image used with permission.© 2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“I won’t die on the saddle; it will be on my little chair trying to get my fingers working on my computer, while my eyes try to focus on that person who is hopefully not waiting much longer. Isn’t life wonderful?”
“Even though I cannot get to church, or get to the temple, I can have a recommend, serve in missionary work, plus prepare names to send to the temple. Miracles do … and are happening!”
Watch introductory videos about family history and temple service.