President John Tyler held office from 1841 to 1845. Born during the presidency of George Washington, he was a member of the Whig Party. In other words, John Tyler lived a really long time ago.
Or did he?
Get this – John Tyler’s grandson is still living!
How can that be? Tyler’s last child, Lyon Tyler, was born in 1853, when Tyler was 63 years old. And Lyon Tyler had his last son in 1928, when he was 75. That son, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, is still living at age 94.
History is more recent than you think. And we have much to learn from our ancestors, whether they were presidents or not. Daniel prayed, “I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors” (Daniel 2:23).
Your parents and grandparents help to explain two things:
- Why you are who you are
- Why you do what you do
Recovery Step: Take a look back at your parents and grandparents. Learn from their successes and their mistakes.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
