Photo courtesy Scot ProctorFrankly, I don't know how to write on my blog in a way that would do justice to the life and character of the beloved prophet and leader of our church, President Gordon B. Hinckley, who passed away last night due to complications of old age.
Upon hearing this sad news, my first reaction was one of gladness - the kind of gladness one feels when an elderly person who has lived a very full life passes away. Gladness that my life was touched by that person. Gladness that President Hinckley would be reunited with his sweet wife Marjorie, whose presence he has longed for. Gladness in knowing that he would meet his Savior and Father in Heaven who would welcome him with arms of love and declare, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
I feel a great sense of loss and grief, however, because President Hinckley has been the prophet of my adult and married life. He became the prophet when I was an EFY counselor - one of the most spiritual seasons of my life. He guided and directed me as I entered an eternal marriage and bore my first child. I have looked to him as a literal mouthpiece of the Lord and have found in the past 13 years that by following his counsel and guidance, my life has been filled with great joy and happiness. He is the prophet, in MY lifetime, to whom I have endeared myself.
In our church we put great emphasis on looking to the Savior Jesus Christ as an example of how to live our lives. He is indeed the perfect example. But, today I have to add that I believe Gordon B. Hinckley, beloved prophet, humble servant, husband, dad, grandfather, and friend also led a life worth emulating. His selfless example has left a marked impression on the "fleshy tables of my heart.
I love you President Hinckley. Thank you for your life of service.
For more information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Gordon B. Hinckley, please visit http://www.lds.org/
5 comments:
I knew you would say it beautifully. I fully agree with your comments.
I think there has been a lot of joy taking place on the other side but I miss him so much already.
A more fitting and beautiful tribute I could not imagine. Thank you.
You managed to find the eloquent words that I was unable to conjure up in my sadness. That's exactly how I feel. I think most of all I'll miss his wonderful humor, he always found a way to make me smile, even when I felt crummy.
Good job Sammy. I feel like I just want to drink some hot cocoa and read today, but I know President Hinckley would want me up running around doing stuff. Maybe I'll try and do both!
Isn't it amazing how so many people can love a person that they have never met? I will always remember President Hinckley with a smile bursting from inside.
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