My son Blake is a young man who stands with power. Blake realized at a young age that righteous men are powerful, and righteousness is a symbol of spiritual power. As a primary child he asked me if his nickname could be Captain Moroni.

Blake made a few commitments early in his life to be faithful to God and to really love people. When he had his sixteenth birthday party at our home we invited about 75 people. Most of the young people that came to the home that night were people I had never met. Most of them introduced themselves to me that night as “Blake’s best friend.” He had so many best friends because he learned early that charity never fails. Blake simply just loves people. Blake is currently serving his mission in Peru. He has impacted many lives through his love and his belief that personal righteousness brings power and protection. 

Taft is Blake’s youngest brother who absolutely idolizes him because of how faithful Blake has been. Taft has watched Blake and his actions for nearly fourteen years and now communicates with him weekly on Blake’s mission through email. Blake has been a powerful influence and example to his younger brother Taft.

I had an unforgettable experience some time ago when I walked in my then twelve-year-old son Taft’s bathroom. Taft writes and reviews his goals nearly every Sunday. I walked into Taft’s bathroom one morning, and I saw his typewritten goals taped to the mirror of the bathroom. I probably shouldn’t read other people’s goals, but on this day I did and it touched me. I read Taft’s goals and they were powerful. They were things that would bless his life physically, mentally and spiritually. One was to read the Book of Mormon daily. Another was to pray faithfully morning and night. Another was to do his daily fitness routine. There were a few others, but I eventually got to the bottom of his list. I then read this cherished goal that was a reminder to me of righteous powerful examples. The last goal on 12-year-old Taft’s list simply said, “Be like Blake.” Those three words provided a treasured experience for me.

My son Taft was being changed by a brother who stood with power in his life. My son Blake was blessing me as a father by changing my other children. I was filled with the Spirit. I was filled with gratitude for people who stand and change the people I love for the better.