The Palangi Kalani🙏

I gotta swallow my pride and apologize to BYU… at least football… I haven’t cheered for BYU football since the 90’s… (but to be clear… Utes have always been my team)… I was never a fan but could go to games and have fun… I was urged to go to BYU… but had absolutely no desire to because I didn’t want to go to a college with such strict rules… SO I DIDN’T GO! I didn’t try to attend a college and change it… demand they reform or slide their standards and codes to fit me or my views… I simply accepted who they were and knew I didn’t want to go there. (Don’t laugh… my biggest issue back then? I didn’t want to take out my second piercings… chill… I know… but also? I ended up taking them out for school anyway… but that’s another story) Flash forward to years later when Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke to BYU and reminded the college of who they represented… what their standards were… and the importance of keeping the institution aligned with the teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (Imagine that…) I also watched the backlash... I spoke up in defense of Elder Holland. I reminded people that this was a private college that has always had strict policies and standards and that if people didn’t like them? DON’T ATTEND THE COLLEGE! And oh good gravy the wave of hate I got back in return… I lost friends of decades over this. I got blocked by family over this. I was called names and slurs over this. Students, alumni’s, even teachers came at me… And the irony? I was an “ally” back then. I waved my rainbow flag and supported loudly… and because I dared speak the truth? I was flattened on my back. It affected my career… my personal life and my mental health… all because I dared speak the truth and defend an Apostle! Since then… I have watched family members become woke, bitter and hateful antis after attending this college… I have seen friends lose their children to the same thing… And I had lost all my respect for that institution. Earlier this year… President Dallin H. Oaks addressed the college and stated: “I firmly believe that it is the destiny of Brigham Young University to become what past and present prophets knew it could become. With the consecration and leadership of this community, BYU will become the great university of the Lord — not in the world’s way but in the Lord’s way.” The Spirit immediately testified to me of the power of his words… and I knew we would see a change… I just didn’t know when… or how. Then yesterday happened. Out of every single way for the Lord to work His mighty hand… I was watching clips of football. A sports I really don’t even like or understand. 😂 I cheer for one team only… the Utes… PERIOD… no NFL… just the U of U UTES! I watched how the fans acted… I watched how @kalanifsitake spoke boldly and proudly of the Church of Jesus Christ, and bore testimony! I heard the Book of Mormon being read out loud! I saw signs being held that spoke of goodness and light! And my heart softened. So… @BYUfootball This Mom wants to publicly apologize to you for taking so long to see what so many saw… Thank you for representing the Church in such a respectful, good and genuine way. My heart is full… my eyes are wet… I felt the Spirit… and I look forward to the day I can attend a game again. I appreciate the way you’ve humbled me… and how you’ve been missionaries… you never know who is watching… you never know who you’ll affect… “Live your life so that those who do not know Him, will want to know Him… because they know you”. 💙- ThisMomSays ❤️