Men of Valor

I have been going through very old boxes that were packed some 6 years ago or so, from before my mission to Mexico. I just came upon this letter, written to me from one of the greatest men I have been blessed to know. As I read this letter again (on my birthday, in fact), my soul was filled with the spirit of God. I share this gift, which was given to me by a man who changed my life.

With each passing year, I am amazed by the majestic power of my Heavenly Father as I realize evermore the miracles He places in my life. In a recent text message I sent to one of my best friends, I noted to him that when I was a young man, I thought men like Abraham and Moses, Nephi and Captain Moroni only existed in ancient times. However, I am becoming more confident that God has surrounded me with men of valor in these times, as in times of old.

As a young man, I was much like any young man. I was seeking my own identity. I had fun playing basketball and competing in my high school track and cross-country teams. I experienced the fluctuations in my vocal chords and could no longer sing soprano in the church choir. In a matter of six months I put on a 150% increase in weight and shot up a half-foot in height. My palms sweat great droplets at dances. I was super nervous to speak with girls, even though I grew up with six beautiful ones :).

However, I feel I was blessed with something many young men in this world are not blessed with. I was taught by men of God. Ever since I became a boy scout at age eleven, I have been influenced by my scoutmasters and young mens’ advisors. A few of those were Brother Turbovsky, Brother Rob Tuft, Brother David Thurgood, Brother Ron Dean, and Bishop Jared Montague. Countless other names could easily be added to that list. The letter that Brother Tuft wrote to me stands as an example of the Christlike love these men have as they diligently serve God’s children.

I feel that oftentimes, we think our sincere efforts go unnoticed. In this I declare that they indeed do not. Not only is every act of kindness noticed by a loving Heavenly Father, but each is as a drop from the dews of heaven in the life of the recipient. I recall very specific moments in my life when I have felt the Spirit as these men have born their testimonies through word and deed at my side. I thank them with all my heart for the great gifts they have freely shared with me, for they taught me to rely on the Atonement  of my Savior Jesus Christ.

For this I am forever grateful. My debt is great to the Lord my God. I shall seek to do my best to honor His name, to honor my family’s name, and to follow in the footsteps of these great men of valor.