When Pride Blocks the Blessings: Learning to Ask for Help in the Field

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the hardest lesson we learn isn't about doctrine, or even about temple covenants; sometimes it’s about the quiet, humbling act of admitting we need help.

I was thinking this week about a story I heard—a story that really struck a chord with me, and I know it will resonate with many of you who are currently in the thick of missionary preparation, or perhaps those of us who have been out in the field for years and think we have it all figured out.

It was about a neighbor, a skilled carpenter, who built a beautiful home, only to have it taken away by the state because of missed payments. The man was capable, he was hardworking, but pride—or perhaps just the fear of appearing weak—kept him from asking for help when things started to slip.

It made me pause and think about our own journeys. We talk so much about testifying of the Atonement, about sharing the gospel with conviction, and we are taught to be self-reliant. And while self-reliance is a gospel principle, we must be careful not to mistake it for isolation. The gospel, friends, is fundamentally relational. It is about connecting with people, and sometimes, the most profound connection we can make is with the people who can help us when we stumble.

The Spirit Whispers, But Pride Roars

In our efforts to be true disciples, we are constantly learning to discern the Spirit. We learn to recognize when the Spirit is prompting us to study, to visit, or to simply pray. But sometimes, the loudest voice we hear is the voice of pride—the voice that whispers, "I don't need anyone."

When we are in the field, we are taught to be proactive. We are taught to be prepared. We learn to handle challenging questions, and we practice our missionary discussions until they feel natural. But what about the moments when the challenges aren't theological? What about the moments when we are struggling with our own finances, our own emotional capacity, or our own sense of direction?

The lesson from that story—that the most devastating setback came not from external forces, but from an inability to reach out—is a powerful reminder for us all. Whether you are preparing for your mission, or you are a seasoned returned missionary who feels like you've seen it all, remember that vulnerability is not weakness; it is the gateway to receiving divine strength.

If you find yourself wrestling with how to approach a difficult conversation, or if you want to practice responding to tough investigator questions, I highly recommend checking out Davee. He's been working on walking people through those tough spots using the AI Investigator role. It’s a fantastic tool for our ongoing missionary preparation.

We are all disciples, and that means we are always learning how to better live the gospel. If you’ve been feeling the weight of something you need to share, or if you want to deepen your understanding of the Book of Mormon, remember that the Church has wonderful resources. I encourage you to explore a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s commit to being each other’s safety net.

What’s one area this week you can commit to asking for help with? Maybe it’s calling a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or perhaps it’s finally asking your district leader for that extra coaching on a specific topic. Don't let the fear of asking keep you from the blessings waiting on the other side.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you've had a time when admitting need was the best thing you ever did, please share it below. Let’s keep building each other up, together, as we strive to be Christlike in all things.