Urban Poly Princess

I'm still so proud of him. He is the most decorated college football player now and is destined for a fine career in the NFL. He lost both his girlfriend AND his grandmother within hours of each other then went on to play against Michigan State missing both of their funerals and burials. His attitude is stellar. Heavenly Father has an amazing mouthpiece for the gospel now. All from an LDS boy who didn't go on a mission OR go to BYU. He used prayer AND continues to use it to make all of his decisions. He honors his parents, his culture AND his faith.

I feel the loss of this award. He deserved it very much. I feel like I did when Romney lost BUT this is more personal because my entire community loved him and wanted him to get what he deserved. AND he will be great in the NFL for a long time. Romney would have done so much for the nation. Manti wouldn't but I still feel the loss. I don't know him and it's not like Brian and I were best buds or anything. His uncles were too old for me to know.

I just don't doubt how much our father in heaven loves him and plans to use him as an instrument. He already has. He has inspired so many young boys to dream farther, to believe it is possible to attend school past the Western states. He is an amazing ambassador. Me in my judgmental little world think he didn't need to pray about serving a mission he should've gone because he is supposed to do that. Having parents that did not see this as important would not influence him to see that as essential as someone else. I wouldn't pray about serving a mission. My brother wouldn't. We know it is a commandment for every man to serve a mission. As a woman I am the one that gets to pray BUT in my family it was pretty clear too. If you aren't dating anyone seriously when you turn 21, you need to go, there is no question.

When Manti received his answer not to go I think heavenly father knew how he could have a positive influence on people if he didn't go. I don't think his immediate family would've supported him in this decision either.

If I met David a long time ago when he was say 22 and hadn't served a mission I wouldn't have given him the time of day because of that. I still don't like that he didn't serve one until he was 24 but Pres. Hunter never served one at all. Neither did President Monson. It's was good for me to learn that. I didn't really associate with anyone who didn't plan on and then serve a mission. It wasn't until I served one myself however that I learned missionaries come in all types.

I know what matters is how stalwart someone is now. I certainly don't want to be judged by my weaknesses and stupid choices I made in the past. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and continues to bless me even when I am undeserving of that.

Manti Te'o NOT serving a mission is pretty huge for me. As great as he is and even though I know his circumstances AND that he prayed about it, I STILL don't want to accept that. I know I'm not the judge of the world. I just feel there is a depth and tutoring you receive on your mission that can't be gained anywhere else. I KNOW that's wrong however because if that was true Howard W. Hunter AND Thomas S. Monson NEVER would've been prophets. I need to feel that in my heart. I get to pray about something else my character needs to improve!!!