“Linahei’s Voice,” For the Strength of Youth, Mar. 2022.
Linahei’s Voice
From music to family history, Linahei is using her voice for good.
Photographs by Stéphane Sayeb; illustrations by Claire Lock
Linahei D. from Tahiti knows how to use her voice to bless others—in more ways than one. For example, she’s studying to become a speech therapist someday. “I want to help children with their spelling or the way they speak,” she says.
That’s only the beginning, though. Born into a family of talented musicians, 14-year-old Linahei gets lots of chances to use her voice for singing. “My brother and I love to sing together. He usually does the higher voice, and I do the lower!”
And there’s a whole family orchestra, too. “My mom plays the piano to help teach us songs, and my dad plays guitar and ukulele.” And what’s a family orchestra without a little percussion? “My dad and I love to play the to‘ere, which is a traditional Polynesian drum.”
With an entire ensemble backing her up, her family helps her with more than just music. “My parents always encourage me in my studies, and my father gives me priesthood blessings.” When hard times come, she knows she can also turn to her Heavenly Father. “I know how much the Lord loves me and that He is always there for His children.”
Linahei not only uses her voice for music and prayer, but she also speaks up about helping family members on the other side of the veil.
A Voice of Love for Family beyond the Veil
“I had a dream one night where I saw hundreds of people, but none of them could communicate with each other,” she says. “I thought I recognized them, but I wasn’t sure.”
Linahei didn’t know what to make of the dream at first. Then she had an exciting thought: “Before the COVID-19 lockdown, I had performed over 100 baptisms for my ancestors—these people in my dream could represent those family members!”
Feeling more excited about family history than ever, Linahei did all she could to help move those names along in the temple to receive their additional ordinances. Soon after, Linahei and her mom were called as family history consultants in their ward.
“We helped a woman in our ward access her FamilySearch account. When she saw her family tree, she was so happy—it was the first time she had seen all of her ancestors!”
“I used to feel nervous going up to people in my ward,” Linahei admits. “But now that I have my mom with me, I feel more confidence teaching people about family history.”
Raise Your Voice
Now Linahei looks forward to helping people learn about their ancestors. “I love seeing how happy people are when they do their family history. And I think our ancestors are happy that we’re interested in them and in performing their ordinances.”
In her calling as a family history consultant, she recently organized an activity for her ward’s young women. Not only did she help them find family names to take to the temple, but she also helped Primary children set up accounts so that they can participate.
“We are going to the temple soon,” she says.
Want to be as cool as Linahei? Don’t worry, it’s definitely possible. “Young people can advance the errand of God by using technology,” Linahei says. “Anything that helps us think of our ancestors is wonderful. I know doing family history will bring everyone more joy in their lives. Family history has brought me closer to my ancestors and to Christ at the same time.”
With all the work she’s doing for her ancestors, one thing’s for sure: Linahei’s family is definitely not just history!