A Dynasty of Grace

Many dynasties have come and gone throughout history, but one dynasty stands out.

When you think of the word "dynasty," what comes to mind?

Some might think of the cheesy prime-time soap opera "Dynasty" from the 1980s, in which the Carrington family fought and manipulated their way to wealth and power. Others might think of the long dynasties of the kingdoms of the Far East (China's Han, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties, for example). Some may mention the great European dynasties, such as the Habsburg and Plantagenet, or, in England alone, the Lancaster, York, Stuart, Tudor and Windsor. And then there's the world's longest royal dynasty, the House of Dulo, which ruled Bulgaria for 2,890 years.

Here in the U.S., we tend to think of dynasties as related to politics or sports. Politically, the media often refers to the Roosevelts, Kennedys, Bushes and Clintons in dynastic terms. In sports, we regard teams that win multiple championships over a period of years as dynasties. Think of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. This team has won 40 American League...