The Need for Greater Hope

Good morning, my friends. What an honor it is to stand before you today. I’m deeply grateful and humbled to be with so many of you whom I admire and look up to.

This university has been filled with people who have had incredible influences on me throughout my life. There are so many who have paved the way for me to be here today. I’m especially grateful for my wife, who has joined me today. She has been an influence in my life since the day I stepped foot on this campus. My wife and I are both BYU alums, which is an interesting story because neither of us ever thought we would choose BYU.

My wife was headed to the University of Utah on a gymnastics scholarship, and I was headed to Nebraska on a football scholarship, but at the last minute we both chose to come to BYU. We are deeply grateful that the Lord guided us both here. And if someone would have told us 30 years ago during our college days that I would be speaking at one of these wonderful devotionals, we would have never believed them. Especially because back then I was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So this moment is very special to my wife and me. We have sure come a long way. We have been married 32 years, and we now have three wonderful children and three incredible grandchildren. I’m so grateful to my loving Heavenly Father, who guided me to places I would have never imagined. And I’m so grateful I let Him prevail in my life.¹

It all began with my wonderful coach, LaVell Edwards, who showed up at my home and convinced my family to come to BYU on a recruiting trip. And really, who could say no to LaVell Edwards?

Coach Edwards didn’t offer me anything flashy or extraordinary, but his character and his commitment to help me succeed—not only in football but in life—are what truly influenced my family.

When my family and I arrived at Brigham Young University, we immediately felt something different—something I wasn’t accustomed to. We felt love, unity, and kindness from so many people across campus. Because I grew up in an environment that was much different than this, I remember thinking, “How can people love and care for each other this much?”

There was a light here at BYU that was undeniable and powerful. It is exactly what President C. Shane Reese mentioned in our BYU theme this past year—how important it is to share our gifts of light.²

I am so grateful for Coach LaVell Edwards and for so many others who shared this new light with me and my family. It was that light and unconditional love that changed me and altered the direction of my life.

Finding Hope Through Jesus Christ

When I was invited to speak today—and as I was reflecting on what I would speak to you about—my heart felt inspired to share with you some of my personal life stories. I truly believe that when we share our stories—and our testimonies—we open our hearts to one another. Our stories help us to understand each other. Our stories create empathy, deepen our connections, and allow us to see life through each other’s eyes. We all have stories to share, and though our stories are all different, God will have a personal love for and relationship with each of us, and He will be in the details of each of our stories.

The message and stories that I would like to share with you today are about the need for greater hope and about how important it is that we never give up. We never give up on ourselves, we never give up on people, and we especially never give up on God—because He will never give up on us.

Brothers and sisters, we live in a world that can feel chaotic, confusing, deceiving, and hopeless at times.

President Russell M. Nelson taught that we “can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered, and often exhausting world.”³

How do we do this?

• By having greater hope!
• By placing our faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
• By receiving the power of the Holy Ghost to guide our lives.

I know the struggles you are facing. I have been there. Not only have I been there, but I have had the opportunity for the last 25 years to work with so many wonderful young adults from many walks of life: working with youth detention for troubled teens, serving as a middle and high school administrator, coaching athletes, working in Athletics and Multicultural Services here at BYU, and now currently working in Student Wellness. The struggles that so many of you face are real. We see you, and we understand you!

President Gordon B. Hinckley gave one of my favorite quotes, which reads: “It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.”⁴

I testify that this is true and that this is something we need to tell ourselves every day!

Now I would like to discuss two simple and powerful concepts that will help us get through the struggles of life and strengthen and sustain our hope in Jesus Christ:

1. Knowing and understanding who God is and understanding His great love for us.

2. Knowing that we are all God’s children! Though we are different and unique, we are all brothers and sisters in God’s plan.

Knowing God and Understanding His Love for Us

My parents and the faithful Black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are some of my greatest examples. They have inspired me and have shown me that holding onto hope and trusting in an all-loving God is truly how we endure when times get tough.

My parents grew up during a time when racism and segregation were prevalent and when Black Americans were denied fundamental rights such as equal voting access, fair housing, employment opportunities, and education. They were also denied services at theaters, restaurants, and even public restrooms—all because of the color of their skin.

Imagine living under those circumstances in which you are denied opportunities and mistreated—all because of the way you look. Where would you find the motivation to keep pushing forward when the world tells you that your worth is less than human?

My parents would often notice the loving, kind people who stood in support of their beliefs and who would march with them promoting change. So because of the inspiring people who stood for good, my parents lived with these three principles in order to carry on and to overcome their challenges:

1. They had faith and hope in a loving God.

2. They had support and unity within their family.

3. They kept their faith and hope in the goodness of people.

So when things got hard and we felt as if the world was against us, my parents showed me that we never give up and that we hold firmly onto hope. With this mentality, my father pressed forward and went on to earn a college degree, and my parents provided well for our family.

A few years ago I served in the presidency of the Genesis Group—a program established many years ago with the help of then Elders Gordon B. Hinckley, Boyd K. Packer, and Thomas S. Monson. This program was created to support Black members of the Church during a time that was so challenging to their faith.

The Genesis program provided a safe space for spiritual uplift and fellowship during a time when Black members were denied the priesthood and its ordinances. What a joyous occasion it was when that priesthood ban was lifted in 1978! And we are so blessed that this Genesis program still exists today.

Serving with these faithful Saints has forever touched my life. Many are still struggling against ignorance and mistreatment, and that is extremely unfortunate. So we continue to gather often and share testimonies of faith and perseverance, we support and uplift each other, and we share the love of God. The examples in this group have strengthened me and are a constant reminder of what it means to never give up and to remain focused on Christ.

We know that if we keep going and keep believing in Him that we can overcome all things. In our African culture we often say to each other, “God is good all the time,” and then the other person responds with “All the time God is good.” And that is truth! That has been the greatest focus of these wonderful Saints. We must never forget who our greatest hope giver is, and that is our Savior Jesus Christ.

When I pause to think about my life today, I’m filled with gratitude for those who came before me—people who hoped, endured, and risked everything to make this world a better place. Their courage created opportunities that I don’t take lightly. Because of their sacrifices, I’m able to build a life with my wife, the person I love, and I’m able to stand before each of you today. I’m here because change was worth fighting for.

My parents and our Black Saints are my greatest examples of “press[ing] forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”⁵ They did just what Nephi had been instructed by the Lord in 2 Nephi.

Brothers and sisters, we are all going to find ourselves in challenging situations or striving to find peace and direction throughout our lives. Please remember who God is and what He can do for you.

Many times—and far too often—we turn away from the Lord and look elsewhere for peace, direction, and acceptance. We tend to turn too quickly to social media and other forms of worldly sources. When doing this, we usually end up walking away feeling empty-handed, feeling more lost and confused, and still struggling to find that peace, hope, and direction we long for.

It’s so important for us to be mindful and careful about where we turn for truth—and that should be to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and to His gospel. That is where we will receive that “perfect brightness of hope” that only He can give.

Brothers and sisters, I did not grow up with these teachings. I didn’t always understand who God was or my relationship with Him. Growing up in Las Vegas, I was surrounded by negative influences. Some of my closest friends and family became involved in drugs, gangs, and criminal activity—some even lost their lives.

Hope was not easy to hold onto—and it was sometimes hard to find. My bedroom became my safe place—a space in which I could escape the chaos around me and reflect on my life. It was the place that led me to know who God was. There was a turning point in my life when one night, feeling confused and discouraged, I opened my heart completely to Him, sharing all my fears and questions with Him.

Suddenly an overwhelming feeling of peace and hope came over me. It was as if I heard Him say, “Jamal, things will be okay. Have hope in me. It will all work out.”

I felt that the darkness that had filled my room and my mind at the time was taken over by a bright light of hope and by the love of God.

That moment changed my life. It was that light of hope that prepared me to choose BYU over all the other universities.

When I arrived at BYU, the light here felt familiar to me, and it continued to get brighter in my life. My hope became greater, and the love of others became deeper and more meaningful. This led me to my baptism into this wonderful Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And my life has become anchored in Jesus Christ ever since.

I’m so eternally grateful to my Savior Jesus Christ and to the wonderful people who shared their light and guided me to the true teachings of Jesus Christ and to the hope that comes from knowing Him and following Him. How much happier and more meaningful my life became when I gained this greater understanding and knowledge of God and of the power of the Godhead.

I learned that if we have God the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost—the three most powerful beings in our lives—how could we ever lose hope? They fulfill every aspect of our lives!

President Dallin H. Oaks said:

Because we have the truth about the Godhead and our relationship to Them, the purpose of life, and the nature of our eternal destiny, we have the ultimate road map and assurance for our journey through mortality. . . . We know who we are and what we can become. We know who makes it all possible.⁶

Brothers and sisters, the day I invited God into my room is the day God presented me with that “ultimate road map and assurance” that led me from one experience to another. With my continued hope and faith in Him, He has guided me to a life of opportunities I never thought was possible.

Having hope in Christ and letting Him prevail in our lives will lead us to far better places than we could ever imagine. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows exactly what we need. Trust Him, believe in Him, and believe Him. This is the hope that fills us with peace and brings joy and direction into our lives.

There are many wonderful examples in the scriptures, and one of my favorites is the story of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17. We can all learn from David because each of us will face our own Goliaths throughout life.

At times we may feel like King Saul and the Israelite army. We see the giant standing before us and feel the urge to run. As we focus on the challenge ahead, doubt begins to creep in. We feel inadequate and incapable, and we begin to fixate on our weaknesses and imperfections.

But David chose a different focus. Though he was young and small in stature, his trust, hope, and courage were far greater than his fear of Goliath. Unlike the other Israelites who focused on the giant, David stayed focused on the Lord. He knew and believed that “with God all things are possible.”⁷ He was not discouraged by the doubts of others because he knew his Lord and he knew what the Lord could do through him. David also remembered the many times that the Lord had delivered him from past challenges, and that remembrance strengthened his faith that the Lord would deliver him again.

When you find yourself facing the Goliaths in your life, be not afraid, remember what God has done for you, and know He will always be there for you. Trust in the power of God. As David said to Goliath:

Thou [may come] to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord. . . .

This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand. . . .

. . . For the battle is the Lord’s.⁸

Those are powerful truths. We will conquer every Goliath if we utilize the strength of the Lord and believe He is the same living and loving God yesterday, today, and forever!

The scriptures are full of stories that teach and remind us of what God can do. He holds all the power to perform miracles and bless our lives in ways we need.

Do you trust in Him? Do you trust Him as did the Israelites who were leaving Egypt? In Exodus we learn that as the Israelites were escaping, they were chased from behind by the Egyptians, and in front of them was the giant Red Sea. They had nowhere to go. Not only did the Israelites believe and trust in the power of God, but they also believed in the wise and spiritual guidance of Moses the prophet, who was called by God to lead the people. And they obediently pressed forward with trust in God.

Exodus 14 reads, “Fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you.”⁹ And He fulfills all of His promises. So God parted the Red Sea, allowing the people to walk through on dry ground to safety.

How many times do we feel like the Israelites and think there is no way out of our challenges? Brother Brad Wilcox tells us that God may not take away our Red Sea moments, but He will provide a way through them.¹⁰

We too will walk through our challenges and be guided to safety if we do just as the Israelites did. They trusted in their all-loving and powerful God who fulfills all of His promises, they heeded the counsel of their living prophet, and they supported and gained strength from each other as they pressed forward together!

I’m sure there were many who stood there afraid and unsure. I’m sure there were many doubters amongst them. If some had listened to those doubts, they may not have made it through to safety. But they held onto their faith and hope and encouraged and strengthened one another, and together they were able to cross the Red Sea to safety.

Seeing One Another as Children of God

This leads me to concept number two.

When we all understand that we are all God’s children and that we are all here to care for each other as brothers and sisters, then we will be able to get through our challenges with greater hope and strength.

I remember my very first day at BYU. Being African American and a nonmember of the Church, I felt nervous and unsure, and I noticed all the stares that made me feel as if I didn’t belong. In my first class I sat in the back, avoiding eye contact and hoping the professor didn’t call on me. I felt completely alone.

When I checked my schedule, I saw that my next class was a Book of Mormon class. My first thought was to skip it, go home, and prepare for football practice. But a quiet inner voice told me to go, and I listened.

I arrived late to a large auditorium full of students and was about to sit in the back when an older woman near the front stood up waving her hand in front of all the students and saying, “Jamal, I saved a seat for you!”

I was so embarrassed. But when I reached the front row, she greeted me with excitement and gave me a big hug. In that moment I felt loved and cared for. For the first time I felt as if I belonged. That woman was Patty Edwards, Coach LaVell Edwards’s wife.

You will never fully know the influence you can have in a person’s life and the effect it can have for generations to come. Because of the many hope givers in my life, I am three generations deep with my beautiful wife, our children, and our grandchildren, living a wonderful life with God and His eternal plan of peace, hope, and happiness. So please, be that hope, give that hope. That’s what a BYU education can provide.

This university is distinct. It is distinct in a spiritual way, not just academically. You are in a beautiful place to not just gain an education but to gain greater light and hope in Christ and to share His light and hope with others.

May we never forget about “the one.” I consider myself as that one. The Lord wants all His children to return and live with Him again, and we play an important role in doing this.

The gospel is centered around relationships and ministering to each other. May we follow the Savior’s perfect example when He spent His time with the one: the sinner, the lonely, the unclean, the brokenhearted, the rejected, and the poor in both temporal and spiritual matters. May we be so humble and never put ourselves above others. God loves each of us equally, and so should we. If we can see each other as Christ sees us, we can build a connection of trust, understanding, empathy, and love that can create a sense of emotional connection regardless of our differences. When this becomes hard to do, we must pray for this ability in our lives. We must pray to see the good in all people. And I know without a doubt that our perspectives will change about those we may struggle with.

Sister J. Anette Dennis from the Relief Society general presidency said:

Our congregations and families [and our university] can be gathering places where we cheer each other on . . . , helping each other overcome whatever challenges we face, giving each other strength and encouragement without judging one another. We need each other.¹¹

Brothers and sisters, there may be times in our lives when we might feel alone and may not receive the cheers and encouragement of others. I had an incredible career here at BYU—playing four years at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where more than 60,000 fans cheered me on. Banners and signs were held up in my support, and fans chanted, “Give Jamal the ball!” That filled me with energy, confidence, and the motivation that I needed to give it my all. My confidence in my abilities grew immensely as I heard the cheers of the fans.

I carried that with me into my NFL opportunities until an injury came along that ended my career. I hit another dark place in my life. My dreams had come to an end. 

One day I had the chance to come back to the LaVell Edwards Stadium, where I had once heard the cheers and felt the confidence. As I entered the stadium, I walked down that tunnel where I used to run out before every game and hear the chants of 60,000 fans. But now those cheers were no longer there, and the stadium was quiet.

There was no more cheering, no more “Give Jamal the ball.” My identity and self-worth were being challenged. As I gathered myself and all my emotions, I walked back up the tunnel and took a seat in the front row to gather my thoughts.

As I sat there, I remembered the moment I had had with God in my room. Once again I had the same reassurance from Him—that it was okay and that things would work out. I felt as if He was telling me, “Your playing days are over, but you have so much to give, so much to do! Stand up, press forward, keep going, be thankful and hopeful, and everything will work out. You are not alone.”

In that moment I did not hear the fans cheering me on, but, most importantly, I heard God—and an army of angels—cheering for me instead.

In Doctrine and Covenants 84, the Lord promises:

I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.¹²

And that’s exactly what I felt in that moment. So even though my football career had come to an end and the fans were gone, I knew and trusted that God would always be by my side with these many earthly angels who He has given me in my life. They have stuck with me, believed in me, and supported me. They became my team.

Brothers and sisters, we are all on God’s team getting through this game of life together. He is our head coach with our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Our living and loving prophet Dallin H. Oaks is our assistant coach today. And if we stay focused and trust in their game plan, we will not fail! We already know who wins, but we must study that playbook every day and feast upon the teachings of God in the scriptures. Our daily practice must consist of communicating with our Heavenly Father through prayer. We must take the time to ponder and listen to what He may teach us. We must be humble and repent daily and serve and love those around us. We must stay focused on the Lord and choose Him in every thought and word and deed.

We will also need our day of rest, which is the reason God gave us the blessed Sabbath day—a day to take the sacrament and realign our lives with the Lord and a day to remember our path and our role in His game plan. And we will then go forth with His power within us to accomplish His will and to succeed. With this eternal game plan, we will never lose. With Him—and because of Him—we will be victorious!

Our Savior paid the ultimate price for us to win this game of life. He endured all that pain and suffering while staying focused on each one of us. And I know without a doubt that we too can endure the pains and struggles of life as we remain ever so focused on Him. He will forever be our constant and consistent hope giver!

May we stand strong and stand with God in being hope givers. May we love, uplift, unite, and come together as brothers and sisters under the same Father to make this world a better and happier place for all God’s children. Let your light shine upon all. No matter our faith, our race, our beliefs, or our differences, we have got to share God’s love and light and give that greater hope that we all want and need more of.

Students, you have the power to be a source of hope. As the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers, you bring fresh ideas, energy, and determination, so please use your voices to create positive change. You can give hope by being examples of resilience, by accepting and loving unconditionally, and by encouraging inclusion. Students, you are not just preparing for the future, you are shaping it.

Through your BYU education you can bring hope to your communities and help create a better world for everyone. BYU students are hope givers because they serve, lead, inspire, and live with purpose and faith. As you walk with God, through your actions and examples and Christlike attributes you will help create a brighter future not only for yourselves but also for individuals, families, and communities everywhere. Brothers and sisters, keep your hopes up and always remember you were sent here to this earth to succeed.

I testify that God lives, that He loves you, and that through Him all things truly can work out. May you never forget that Jesus Christ is our constant and consistent hope giver. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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