On boldness

 Oh hi Bakey,

I’m a little afraid this whole letter is going to be a rant about idiots, both specific and broad. I mainly don’t get the anti vax/mask idiots. Every day this week Utah has set a new record for cases, the hospitals are getting overwhelmed, and there is a shortage of tests causing super long waits. Remember that time we waited forever for your test? So guess what the genius republican governor and legislators are doing, passing mask exemptions and overriding county mask mandates. If mom gets Covid I am going after someone I swear. People in are ward keep catching it. They closed down alpine school district, like they’re not already stupid enough in Utah county. My work is having an in person meeting for the entire staff next week, I told my team they could watch it online. I’ve said this many times, but I am shocked by how quickly our society has become so completely ignorant. It up to you guys, your generation to be educated, informed, and assertive if you don’t want to live an a world of superstition and lies.

Speaking of assertive, I was really impressed when you told me that you would like to be more bold. It takes intelligence to recognize a weaknesses. It takes being deliberate to turn those weaknesses into strengths. I hope I’m not being condescending by what follows, that’s not my intent. Rather, I think you have an opportunity to become what you want to be at a time in your life when it’s completely doable for you. I know the Lord wants you to be bold too, he expects it. I think of gaining a skill, or a trait similarly to gaining a testimony. First of all you have to want it, another way of saying that is that you have to recognize a need for it. Your area is a bit more challenging because the people there don’t recognize a need for religion, they have all the religion they think they need. But you know why you want or need to be more bold. Next ponder and pray about it. Think about what it means to be bold and what it would take…more courage, more faith, more practice, more knowledge? Pray for guidance and to be able to gain those abilities. Then practice it. Be more bold, trust the Holy Ghost to fill your mouth with the right words when you open it. So many times in my life I’ve done that, even in school or work situations. You have a lot more knowledge than you think, Heavenly Father will serve it up when it’s time. Don’t be afraid. If you completely mess up by doing this it will still be so much better than saying nothing. Practice with your investigators, your district and zone, your mission President, your ward, and your companion. Finally, trust it. That’s confidence, that’s what others perceive and that’s what helps them to trust you…you trusting yourself. Jacob, I have so much faith in you, trust that while you’re building your own confidence. My mission did so much for me in building my confidence, my assertiveness, and my ability to express my thoughts. This will serve you so well your entire life. To this day when I have a meeting or presentation or just a situation where I need to be authoritative, I prepare and pray for help, then I do, sometimes I’m terrified going into and even coming out of those meetings. If I’ve prepared and prayed, I’m amazed at what God serves up for me.

Ben told me a little of your comp and section 89 and the word of wisdom. I’m sure I don’t understand the situation. But if I do, you’re comp’s a dumb ass, sorry. But you don’t hide from the truths you are supposed to teach. Those who are ready will welcome them, and don’t waste your time with them if they’re not open. You may want to ask the president about his thoughts on that matter, if it’s not too late that is.

I sent you some of the Utes info about the rankings and weddle. Too bad basketball is so terrible.

Well kid, do more than just hanging in there be bold, be confident, be that perfect tool god expects you to be. It will serve you your whole life that skill.

I love you kid, you’re always on my mind.

Pops