I've posted about how power ought to be used properly. (Deuce Lutui, Brandon Osmond). Today's post is similar. However, today I'm not addressing how power should be used properly by someone, but how power could be used properly on behalf of someone else. In this case, that someone is Brandon Davies.
As the whole world knows by now, Davies was suspended from BYU's basketball team for violating the school's honor code. Ultimately, he may be suspended from the school as well.
Most sources are reporting that Davies had premarital sex with his girlfriend which violates the "chaste and virtuous" portion of the code. His conduct also violates his religious commitments to himself and Heavenly Father.
(As a BYU graduate myself, I can accurately report that students are generally living the code prior to entering BYU and after exiting it. The code embodies our religion. It's not something weird just the school requires.)
Davies is a lifelong Mormon, Utah resident, Provo native, the works. He isn't the first BYU student to be disciplined for violating the honor code and he won't be the last.
The evidence we all currently have suggests he reported his infraction himself, to school authorities and probably to his religious leaders as well. By all accounts, he is apologetic and remorseful. These factors will no doubt weigh heavily in whether he can continue at BYU and for the BYU Basketball Team next year.
What does make Davies unusual is that his status and position make him an unofficial representative of BYU, our religion and our Church. That is a big load for anyone to carry.
But, he's also a 19 year old young man. Having his religious, athletic, moral and personal problems fodder for every sentient person on the earth is hardly something most of us have to deal with, or should have to deal with.
When Marie Osmond's son committed suicide, some news photos showed President Thomas S. Monson himself extending comfort to her. When other, unusual, high profile events have occurred occasionally you hear of a General Authority of the Church playing a more direct part than is the norm.
Brandon Davies will experience unusual difficulties and challenges now and in the future because of who and what he is.
Right now he's a lost sheep. Maybe a more extensive effort is warranted to help find him and bring him back to the fold.
Maybe certain individuals have the requisite status and influence to singularly assist him so that he may, also, be found.
In the meantime, the situation gives the rest of us, without status or influence, a chance to practice truly Christlike behavior.
As the whole world knows by now, Davies was suspended from BYU's basketball team for violating the school's honor code. Ultimately, he may be suspended from the school as well.
Most sources are reporting that Davies had premarital sex with his girlfriend which violates the "chaste and virtuous" portion of the code. His conduct also violates his religious commitments to himself and Heavenly Father.
(As a BYU graduate myself, I can accurately report that students are generally living the code prior to entering BYU and after exiting it. The code embodies our religion. It's not something weird just the school requires.)
Davies is a lifelong Mormon, Utah resident, Provo native, the works. He isn't the first BYU student to be disciplined for violating the honor code and he won't be the last.
The evidence we all currently have suggests he reported his infraction himself, to school authorities and probably to his religious leaders as well. By all accounts, he is apologetic and remorseful. These factors will no doubt weigh heavily in whether he can continue at BYU and for the BYU Basketball Team next year.
What does make Davies unusual is that his status and position make him an unofficial representative of BYU, our religion and our Church. That is a big load for anyone to carry.
But, he's also a 19 year old young man. Having his religious, athletic, moral and personal problems fodder for every sentient person on the earth is hardly something most of us have to deal with, or should have to deal with.
When Marie Osmond's son committed suicide, some news photos showed President Thomas S. Monson himself extending comfort to her. When other, unusual, high profile events have occurred occasionally you hear of a General Authority of the Church playing a more direct part than is the norm.
Brandon Davies will experience unusual difficulties and challenges now and in the future because of who and what he is.
Right now he's a lost sheep. Maybe a more extensive effort is warranted to help find him and bring him back to the fold.
Maybe certain individuals have the requisite status and influence to singularly assist him so that he may, also, be found.
In the meantime, the situation gives the rest of us, without status or influence, a chance to practice truly Christlike behavior.
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