I Must Be Brave

Jack Christianson is my all time favorite Especially For Youth speaker. When I was 14 years old I attended my first Youth Conference. We lived in Hawaii and the conference was held on campus at BYU Hawaii. We stayed in the dorms and it was all very cool. Eric Ake was my roommate on that trip. Anyway Jack was there along with another speaker that I cannot even recall but the stories Jack shared and the spirit I felt listening to him had a huge impact on my life. It was great that he was back a year or so later for what must have been EFY but I truly don't recall what the event was. I just remember being in Honolulu listening to several speakers and he was one of them. I loved listening to his tapes and the stories of faith that he shared. I loved reading the book that I assume mom sent me on my mission - it is sitting on my shelf two feet away right now. I remember moms FHE lesson on Spiritual Winners which was Jacks discourse on the 2000 Stripling Warriors. Just thinking about it gets me emotional. Here is one little known fact - the name Jackson was heavily influenced by Jack. His story about his dog that he named Bo Jacks son, the two sport dog, it was a favorite. I knew when I had a son I wanted to name him Jackson and it worked with the fact that I am John and Jack is considered a nickname for John. Perfect. I love so many of those stories. I didn't intend to get this deep into my love for Jack Christianson but oh'well, I did. In thinking about him I really want to get a hold of his talks again. I remember catching him late one night on KBYU when I was about to go to bed. That was a quick change of plans, had to stay up and watch Jack, had to DVR it as well.

There was something that I wanted to do today and I was afraid. It is times like this when the story of President Eyring's father comes to mind. I first heard it told by Jack Christianson and have later heard President Eyring share it. It is the story of his father suffering from bone cancer and being in tremendous pain. If I am remembering the story correctly he got out of his hospital bed and knelt on the floor to pray. I don't recall all the details and so I will not try to restate them here. What I do remember is what he said to his son, President Eyring. He was discussing his suffering with the Lord and the answer he received and shared was "God needs brave sons and I must be brave". I believe you can find this story in President Eyring's book To Draw Closer to God. It may also be in Jacks book Unto the Least of These. Sometimes when I am afraid of something this story comes to mind and it gives me courage. And so it was today. I am grateful for that story and grateful that it comes to my mind in moments when I need strength and courage to press on.

Well, there is snow on the ground I went to Wal Mart tonight with Jack and Andy and there was nothing on the ground or even falling when we went in. There were probably 2 inches on the ground when we came out. Sometimes shopping with the boys is more work then it is worth. We had two separate potty breaks in the span of about 10 minutes because surely Andy could not have needed to go when Jack had to. I am glad I made them go to the bathroom before we left the house as well. Then they started running around and all was fine until Andy couldn't remember how to get back and Jack left his side. I went to find him when Jack came back alone, he was with 3 employees and walking up to the front of the store. He was pretty happy to see me when I caught up to him and managed to stay close for the rest of the trip. The next time I contemplate taking the boys to Wal Mart I may definitely need a reminder about being brave. Seriously, we had a good time and it was fun watching the boys run and slide across the floor. I should also note that Jack was determined to wear a very special outfit. I could not convince him to change. So yes, it was a battle I decided was not worth fighting and we went out looking our best. Don't worry, Andy managed to leave the toilet paper tube at home.